Bauhinia variegata is a species of the Fabaceae family. It is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Common names include Orchid Tree and Mountain Ebony.
The Vietnamese name is Ban Tây Bac, standing for its geographical origins, from the west (India) to the north (China).
Bauhinia variegata
It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–12 meters tall, losing a part of the leaves in the cold areas during the dry season. The leaves are 10–20 centimeters, with a specific rounded shape, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are 8–12 centimeters diameter, with five petals, blooming during the dry season. The open petals have a papery texture with wavy edges, and a single flower can feature multiple colors, white, pink and even purple. The fruit is a seedpod 15–30 centimeters long, containing several seeds. The seedpod dries completely on the tree, and when mature begins to twist into a helix or corkscrew shape, ultimately exploding open—with a very audible “clack”—to deliver its seeds into the environs.
Use in garden : This is a very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented and showy flowers, offering a poetic focal point in garden. In South America, it can be used to attract hummingbirds—such as sapphire-spangled emerald (Amazilia lactea), glittering-bellied emerald (Chlorostilbon lucidus), or white-throated hummingbird (Leucochloris albicollis)—into gardens and parks. On the other hand, in some areas it has become naturalised and invasive.
The buds are edible and show a good antioxidant and anticancer activity. In India, it is widely used as an ingredient in many traditional recipes. (kachnar curry with yogurt and onions, cooked as stir-fried vegetable, make pickles, ...). In Nepal, the flower and the buds are used to make a meal served during religious festivals (the flowers and buds are boiled for a while and then mixed with many potatoes vegetables, spices and lemon juice).
Soil & exposure : Prefere a moist, Well-Drained soil, in full sun to semi-sun. It is better to protect it from cold winds to ensure a healthy, blossoming tree.
Care : The Bauhinia needs a regular watering in the first year of planting, and can become drought tolerant once established. For an abundant display of its beautiful, variegated flowers, the Orchid Tree requires some attention to pruning, as it blooms on old wood. Regular application of a balanced landscape fertilizer also supports healthy growth and flowering.