Bauhinia monandra, commonly known as the pink orchid tree or simply pink bauhinia, is a flowering plant species in the Fabaceae family. Native to Brazil, it is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its beautiful flowers and ornamental value.
This tree is known for its large, showy, pink flowers, which resemble orchids and bloom prolifically during the warm months of the year. The flowers typically have five petals and a prominent central stamen, giving them an orchid-like appearance. The foliage consists of distinctive, bilobed leaves that resemble the shape of a butterfly or a pair of ears, which is a characteristic feature of the Bauhinia genus.
Pink bauhinia is often grown as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along streetscapes due to its attractive flowers and foliage. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for a variety of landscaping environments. In addition to its ornamental value, pink bauhinia also provides nectar for bees and other pollinators, contributing to local biodiversity.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a hard seed coat that has to be treated, or scarified, in order for water to enter the seeds so that they can sprout.
Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat.
Soak the seed in water for 24 hours.
The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet.
Put the seeds on the soil.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
Water the seeds.
Place the pots in an area with warm temperatures in full sun or part shade.
When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.