How to identify Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana)

How to identify Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana)

Hong Kong orchid tree is a small tree reaching roughly 20 feet (6 meters) in height, featuring a smooth, light gray bark and a distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy. The semi-deciduous foliage displays gray-green leaves, each comprised of two identical lobes. The plant is celebrated for its large, rich rose-purple flowers, around 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in diameter, with pink stamens that emit a notable fragrance. These blooms tend to appear from fall to mid spring. Notably, hong Kong orchid tree is sterile and does not produce seed pods.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

Quickly Identify Hong Kong orchid tree

Distinctive umbrella-shaped canopy at 20 feet (6 meters) tall.

Semi-deciduous gray-green leaves with two identical lobes.

Large rose-purple flowers, 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) in diameter.

Pink stamens emit a notable fragrance from fall to mid spring.

Sterile plant that does not produce seed pods.

Hong Kong orchid tree and Their Similar Plants

Orchid tree vs. Hong Kong orchid tree: What's The Difference?

Orchid tree, or Bauhinia galpinii, is a flashy, sprawling shrub endemic to parts of Africa. Introduced as an ornamental in other countries, this shrub is evergreen in frost-free areas, and deciduous where it gets cold.

St. Thomas' tree vs. Hong Kong orchid tree: What's The Difference?

The st. Thomas' tree is a medium to large shrub with deeply divided leaves that are often used for making dye. In its native range, the heartwood of this shrub is used to make rafters for traditional huts. The fibers in the bark are traditionally used for making baskets.

Yunnan bauhinia vs. Hong Kong orchid tree: What's The Difference?

Yunnan bauhinia are a collection of trees, shrubs, and vines that are beloved worldwide for their beautiful and fragrant flowers. These blooms come in vibrant shades of red, yellow, purple, orange, and pink. Though many are planted as ornamentals, some species have a more practical use and are harvested for timber.

Cow's-foot vs. Hong Kong orchid tree: What's The Difference?

Cow's-foot features distinctive twin-lobed leaves, reminiscent of a butterfly's wings, which close at night. This medium-sized tree thrives in subtropical environments, showcasing clusters of orchid-like white flowers. Its hardy nature enables it to flourish in various soils, contributing to its widespread use in traditional medicine.

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Key Facts About Hong Kong orchid tree

Attributes of Hong Kong orchid tree

Plant Height

3.5 m to 6 m

Spread

6 m to 8 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

15 cm

Flower Color

Red

Pink

Purple

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen, Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Hong Kong orchid tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Orchid trees

Species

Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana)

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Distribution Map of Hong Kong orchid tree

Hong Kong orchid tree is a plant primarily native to the South China region and has been introduced to various tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Although it is not widespread in the wild, hong Kong orchid tree thrives in cultivation and is commonly found adorning urban landscapes and parks. Its successful growth in zones outside its natural habitat is attributed to human introduction and planting.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Hong Kong orchid tree

A Comprehensive Guide to Hong Kong orchid tree How to Grow and Care for Hong Kong orchid tree