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Bauhinia
purpurea white, the White Orchid Tree, is a tropical
shrub or small tree growing up to a height of 6 to 9
meters with a spreading habit. It may be grown indoors
with warmth and bright light and kept pruned to a small
size. It is fast growing. It is native of Pacific ocean
Islands and naturalized in tropical America.
This is a small tree with smooth grey-brown bark. The
branches have thorns. The green leaves are 5 to 10 cm
across and cleft almost to the middle, giving the leaf
the shape of a hoof print. Their characteristic twin
lobed leaves give them a definite tropical look. Pruning
is necessary to keep the structure of the plant strong.
This beautiful variety develops fresh looking white
orchid-like flowers. The flowers bring with them a
delightful fragrance. The petals are spreading, each
about 2.5 - 4 cm long. The plant blooms from September
through November. The flowers are followed by pods
maturing in the fall. Seeds are in pea-like brown pods,
which may be 15 to 30 cm long.
Hardiness Zones 10-11, (1°C/35°F,5°C/40°F) in winter.
It is hardy to drought and moderate frost, but may need
protection from frost in the first two or three years
after planting.
Use sandy well drained potting soil. Grow in full sun and
procure average water.This plant is known to resist
average periods of drought or cold. It is easy to
cultivate and requires little attention once established.
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