Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Bauhinia blakeana

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana) is a visually stunning and popular ornamental tree known for its striking floral display and unique leaf shape.

Here are some facts about this distinctive plant:

Origin and Habitat: Despite its name, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is not actually native to Hong Kong. It is believed to be a hybrid, possibly between Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata, and it does not produce seeds. It was first discovered in Hong Kong in the early 20th century.

Flowers: The tree is renowned for its large, showy flowers that resemble orchids, with a deep magenta to purple color. The flowers are usually 10-15 cm across and have a slight fragrance. They bloom from early fall to late winter, providing color and interest during a time when many other plants are not in bloom.

Leaves: The leaves of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree are distinctive and easily recognizable, with a unique heart-shaped or twin-lobed appearance, resembling a butterfly in shape. The leaves are large, glossy, and evergreen in warmer climates.

Growth and Size: Bauhinia blakeana is a medium-sized tree, typically reaching 20 to 40 feet in height. It has a spreading habit and can be as wide as it is tall, making it an excellent shade tree in suitable climates.

Uses: Due to its ornamental value, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is widely planted in gardens, parks, and along streets in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is especially popular in urban areas due to its tolerance of pruning and pollution.

Symbolism: The tree has significant cultural importance in Hong Kong. Its flower was adopted as the emblem of Hong Kong in 1965 and is featured on the Hong Kong flag and coins. It symbolizes harmony and the blending of diverse elements, reflecting the city's character.

Care and Maintenance: Bauhinia blakeana prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance but requires regular watering during dry periods. Pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and promote flowering.

Disease Resistance: The Hong Kong Orchid Tree is generally resistant to pests and diseases, making it a durable choice for landscaping. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in overly wet conditions.

Non-Invasiveness: Unlike some other species of Bauhinia, the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is sterile and does not produce seed pods, making it non-invasive and ideal for planting in a variety of landscapes without the risk of uncontrolled spread.

The Hong Kong Orchid Tree is celebrated for its beauty and is a symbol of elegance and resilience, embodying the spirit of the place with which it has become synonymous.

Orchid Tree

Orchid Tree blooms

Bauhinia purpurea

Taken in Waimea Kauai Hawaii where they line the main street of downtown. At full bloom they look gorgeous.

Synonyms: Hong Kong Orchid Tree, Butterfly Tree, Mountain Ebony, Geranium Tree, Purple Bauhinia

Orchid tree is native to Southeast Asia and is well adapted to hot tropical climates as well as more mild ones. Known as Bauhinia blakeana in scientific parlance, the Hong Kong orchid tree is something of an enigma. Orchid tree is used as a street tree, shade tree, specimen or focal tree in tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Blooms

In late winter, it explodes with the blooms that give rise to its common English name – Hong Kong orchid tree – and which have been adopted as the emblem of Hong Kong. The beautiful display of orchid-like blooms makes the tree so desirable for the landscape. The beautiful, white, three to four-inch-wide, orchid-like blooms appear in abundance from spring through summer and are followed by flat, dark brown seed pods.

Fruit

Fruit is often juicy, with a subtle sweet taste somewhat resembling to an apple. Orchid trees drop fruit, small branches and leaves periodically so some people consider it a messy tree. The fruits turn black when they mature. Flowers are followed by 6-12", woody, pod fruit. The deep red fruits are food for wild animals.

Leaves

Leaves are bold, dark green, resembling a spread-out wing of a bird. Leaves are bright green and delicate like those of cypress. Leaves are rigidly subcoriaceous, glabrous and are divided into 2 lobes with almost angular tips.

Seeds

Seeds are in pea-like brown pods, which may be 15 to 30 cm long. Hong Kong orchid trees are propagated from cuttings while Purple orchid trees are propagated from seeds. Pre-soak the seeds by soaking overnight in hot water.

Soil

Orchid trees do best in acidic soil and suffer under limey conditions. Water the orchid tree when the soil is dry, generally every week to two weeks. They're deep-rooted plants so they don't like to be transplanted but they will tolerate hot, exposed positions and dry soils.