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Description
Bauhinia Purpurea, also known as the purple orchid tree, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. The tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a spread of around 8 meters. Its leaves are shaped like a butterfly, with two lobes that resemble a heart. The flowers bloom in clusters and are usually pink or purple with a white center. They are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a popular choice for gardens and parks.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
Appearance
The Bauhinia Purpurea tree has a slender trunk with smooth bark that is grayish-brown in color. Its leaves are around 10-20 cm long and wide, with two lobes that resemble a butterfly. The lobes are usually unequal in size, with the upper lobe being smaller than the lower lobe. The flowers of the tree are large and showy, with a diameter of around 10-15 cm. They are usually pink or purple with a white center and have a sweet fragrance. The tree produces long, narrow pods that are around 15-30 cm in length and contain several seeds.
Care Guide
The Bauhinia Purpurea tree is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of soil types. It prefers well-draining soil and needs to be watered regularly, especially during the summer months. It is important not to overwater the tree as this can lead to root rot. The tree should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C. The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Bauhinia Purpurea tree is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be attacked by spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring that the tree is not overwatered and is planted in well-draining soil.
Habitat
The Bauhinia Purpurea tree is native to Southeast Asia and can be found in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is also widely cultivated in other parts of the world, including Australia, the United States, and South Africa. The tree grows well in tropical and subtropical climates and prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Bauhinia Purpurea tree a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, the tree is considered to be a fast-growing tree and can grow up to 2 meters per year under ideal conditions.
Q: Can the Bauhinia Purpurea tree be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in a container as long as it is provided with adequate space and nutrients.
Q: Are the flowers of the Bauhinia Purpurea tree fragrant?
A: Yes, the flowers of the tree are known to have a sweet fragrance that attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.
Q: What is the best time to prune the Bauhinia Purpurea tree?
A: The best time to prune the tree is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
- Bauhinia Blakeana
- Bauhinia Variegata
- Bauhinia Galpinii
- Bauhinia Tomentosa
References
- “Bauhinia Purpurea.” Floridata. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/1361
- “Bauhinia Purpurea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 14 July 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a510
- “Bauhinia Purpurea.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 14 July 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/bauhinia-purpurea
