Contents
Description
Bauhinia Macranthera, also known as the Brazilian orchid tree, is a beautiful and hardy ornamental plant native to Brazil. This evergreen shrub or small tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide, and its stunning flowers bloom in clusters in the spring and summer. The flowers are large, showy, and resemble orchids, with petals that range in color from pink to purple. The leaves are green, glossy, and shaped like butterfly wings, with two lobes that are separated by a deep V-shaped cleft. This unique leaf shape is what gives the plant its common name, butterfly tree.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Caesalpiniaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
Appearance
Bauhinia Macranthera is a stunning plant that can add a touch of exotic beauty to any garden. Its large, showy flowers bloom in clusters and can range in color from pink to purple. The flowers are similar in appearance to orchids, with five petals that are ruffled and frilly. The leaves are green, glossy, and shaped like butterfly wings, with two lobes that are separated by a deep V-shaped cleft. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and wide, and its branches are typically slender and arching.
Care Guide
Bauhinia Macranthera is a hardy and easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for this beautiful plant:- Water: Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter months. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Bauhinia Macranthera prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Bauhinia Macranthera is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bauhinia Macranthera is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. If you notice any of these pests, treat the plant with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet or poorly drained.
Habitat
Bauhinia Macranthera is native to Brazil and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and coastal regions. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate both drought and heavy rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Does Bauhinia Macranthera attract bees or other pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant’s large and showy flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Bauhinia Macranthera be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system. Use a well-draining potting mix and water the plant deeply once a week.
Q: Does Bauhinia Macranthera have any medicinal properties?
A: Yes, the plant has been traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and inflammation. However, more research is needed to confirm its medicinal properties.
Q: How often should I prune Bauhinia Macranthera?
A: Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring, before new growth appears. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, and shape the plant as desired. You can also prune the plant lightly throughout the growing season to encourage bushier growth.
Related Plants
– Bauhinia variegata- Bauhinia forficata- Bauhinia purpurea- Bauhinia galpinii- Bauhinia tomentosa
References
– “Bauhinia Macranthera.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b990- “Bauhinia Macranthera.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:46910-1- “Bauhinia Macranthera.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/15590/Bauhinia-macranthera/Details
