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Description
Bauhinia Racemosa, commonly known as the Purple Orchid Tree or Butterfly Flower, is a deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the family Fabaceae and is a popular ornamental plant due to its beautiful and fragrant flowers. The plant can grow up to 12 meters tall with a spread of 9 meters. Its leaves are bilobed, resembling butterfly wings, and its flowers are purple or pink with a white center. The plant blooms from winter to spring and produces long, flat seed pods.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
Appearance
Bauhinia Racemosa is a medium-sized tree with a broad, spreading crown. Its bark is smooth and grey, and its branches are slender and drooping. The leaves are green and bilobed, resembling butterfly wings, and can grow up to 10 cm in length. The flowers are purple or pink with a white center and have a diameter of 5-8 cm. They are fragrant and attract butterflies and bees. The plant produces long, flat seed pods that are up to 20 cm in length.
Care Guide
Bauhinia Racemosa is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy and thriving:- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering.- Soil: The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Use a well-draining potting mix if growing the plant in a container.- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not flower as much.- Hardiness Zones: Bauhinia Racemosa is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Bauhinia Racemosa is generally free from serious pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to the following:- Spider mites: These pests may infest the plant in dry conditions and cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Use insecticidal soap to control the infestation.- Scale insects: These pests may appear as small, brown bumps on the leaves and stems. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.- Root rot: Overwatering or poorly-draining soil may cause root rot, which can lead to wilting and yellowing of the leaves. Reduce watering and improve soil drainage to prevent this.
Habitat
Bauhinia Racemosa is native to India and Southeast Asia, where it grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. The plant is commonly found in gardens, parks, and landscapes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Bauhinia Racemosa a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, the plant can grow up to 1-2 meters per year under optimal growing conditions.
Q: Can Bauhinia Racemosa be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has adequate drainage and is planted in well-draining potting mix.
Q: Does Bauhinia Racemosa attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the plant’s fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Q: When is the best time to prune Bauhinia Racemosa?
A: The best time to prune the plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Bauhinia Racemosa:- Bauhinia variegata- Bauhinia purpurea- Bauhinia galpinii- Bauhinia hookeri- Bauhinia blakeana
References
– “Bauhinia racemosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 25 August 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c376- “Bauhinia racemosa.” PlantZAfrica. Accessed 25 August 2021. http://pza.sanbi.org/bauhinia-racemosa- “Bauhinia racemosa.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 25 August 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/13977/Bauhinia-racemosa/Details
