Bauhinia madagascariensis (Red Butterfly Orchid Tree)
Botanical Information
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Bauhinia |
| Species | madagascariensis |
| Category | Perennials, Tropicals |
| Type | Tree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous) |
| Origin | Africa - southwestern and southern Madagascar. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The bark is used to make rope while the bole and branches are used as posts and poles in house construction. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 6 - 12 m |
| Spread | 3 - 6 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | March, April, May, June |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | A deciduous shrub or tree, usually growing up to 12 metres tall. |
| Propagation | By seed or cuttings. |
| Cultivation | Plant prefers full sun to get the most of its flowering season, but they can be grown under partial sun. |
| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America. |
| Habitat | More humid to dry, deciduous woodland and scrub. |
| Leaf Description | Showy, looks like scarlet butterflies with bright yellow stripes at the base of each petal. The five-petaled flowers are 7.5–12.5 cm diameter, generally in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, or yellow, and are often fragrant. |
Photographs
Bauhinia madagascariensis, form, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Bauhinia madagascariensis, leaf, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.