Bauhinia purpurea aka Orchid Tree

Bauhinia purpurea, also known as the orchid tree, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar, but has been widely introduced to tropical and subtropical areas around the world. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree can grow up to 17 feet tall and has bilobed leaves that are 10-20 centimeters long and broad. The tree produces fragrant pink flowers with five petals and a pod containing 12 to 16 seeds. In the United States, it is found in Hawaii, coastal California, southern Texas, and southwest Florida, and is usually propagated by grafting onto B. purpurea stems. Bauhinia purpurea has a variety of uses and benefits. Its young leaves and flowers are edible and have a citrusy, sour taste that makes them a popular souring agent in Philippine cuisine. Throughout Southeast Asia, the plant is used in poultices to treat swelling, bruises, boils, and ulcers, and is also used in decoctions to treat fever and stomach ailments. In Indian traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat coughs, while the bark is used for glandular diseases and as an antidote for poisons. Chemical compounds have been isolated from Bauhinia purpurea, including bibenzyls, dibenzoxepins, phytol fatty esters, lutein, β-sitosterol, isoquercitin, and astragalin. As a houseplant, the orchid tree requires regular watering and well-draining soil, and does best in long-lasting, direct light. A gentle, organic fertilizer can be added during the peak growing season.