Care of the tree Bauhinia variegata or Orchid tree |
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The genus Bauhinia, family Fabaceae, comprises more than 200 species of trees and shrubs native to tropical regions on all continents. Some species are: Bauhinia variegata, Bauhinia tomentosa, Bauhinia natalensis, Bauhinia galpinii, Bauhinia forficata, Bauhinia augusti, Bauhinia purpurea, Bauhinia blakeana. Common names: Mountain ebony, Orchid tree. This species is native to India. They are small semi-deciduous trees or shrubs with a wide crown that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have the characteristic leaves of the Bauhinias in the shape of a cow's hoof that reach 10 cm (3.9") in length. The attractive, scented orchid-like flowers have 5 petals and can be white, purple, pink or lilac; flowers can appear before leaves. They bloom from late winter to early summer. They are used as isolated specimens, in small groups, and in public streets and parks. They can also be grown in pots. Bauhinia variegata can grow in semi-shade or full sun exposures and needs warm-temperate temperatures (it does not tolerate frost); they are ideal for tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean climates. As soil they prefer a well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand and containing organic matter (compost, manure). Water the young specimens frequently in summer and the adult plants moderately as they tolerate several days of drought. It is convenient to reduce the waterings considerably from the end of autumn so that the plant loses all the leaves and produces an abundant flowering in late winter or early spring. Fertilize in winter with compost or manure and with mineral fertilizer rich in potassium during flowering. Prune lightly after flowering and again in late winter to maintain a rounded crown. They are resistant plants that are not usually attacked by pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in late spring (soak them a couple of days before sowing) or by semi-mature cuttings in late summer. |
Images of the tree Bauhinia variegata or Orchid tree |
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