Bauhinia galpinii aka African Plume

Bauhinia galpinii is a shrub that can also climb. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea and bean family. It is native to the south of tropical Africa and southern Africa. These regions have a tropical climate with a dry season. Its names include red orchid bush and red bauhinia. Gardeners also know it as pride of the cape.

This plant stays green all year. Its branches spread to form a dense mass. Garden plants spread 6–15 feet [1.8–4.6 metres]. Their height depends on what holds them up. The plant grows at a moderate rate. Several stems can grow together in a clump. The brown stems add little beauty on their own. The plant's loose, uneven shape needs room to spread. Its branches can climb a fence or spill over walls.

Green leaves grow in turn along each side of the stems. Each simple leaf is oblong, with deep lobes. Its palmate veins spread like fingers on a hand. Leaves measure about 0.17–0.33 feet [0.05–0.10 metres] long. They stay green and do not change colour in autumn. The leaves add interest in winter. Flowers range from red to reddish-orange. They bloom from spring through autumn. Each orchid-like flower measures about 0.125 feet [0.038 metres] across. The blooms form groups called racemes. On fences, many flowers form near the top. Brown pods start to appear in late summer. These dry, firm fruits reach 0.25–0.5 feet [0.08–0.15 metres] long. They can stay on the plant and create litter.

Full sun suits red bauhinia best. It grows in sand, loam and clay. It does best in sandy loam that drains well. It can grow in acid or mildly alkaline soil. But above pH 7, it may lack some trace nutrients. Once plants take root, they cope well with drought. They can also cope with some salt. The University of Florida lists USDA zones 9b–11b. Plants need little routine care once they take root. Prune in early spring to help control the shape. Growers can raise new plants from seeds or cuttings.

Gardeners use it in borders, pots and hanging baskets. They also grow it as a stand-alone plant. In groups, it can serve as groundcover. Gardeners can train it flat against a support as an espalier. Its spreading form suits banks and retaining walls. Large planting areas give its uneven shape room to grow. Roots rarely cause trouble. Insects that chew may harm leaves. But serious pests are rare. The Florida account reports no major disease concerns. The supplied sources do not show whether it is safe to eat or toxic.