Bauhinia variegata aka Mountain Ebony

Bauhinia variegata is called orchid tree, mountain ebony, or kachnar. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range runs from the Indian subcontinent to southern China. It also grows wild in parts of Southeast Asia. It lives in open valleys and dry, mixed forests. This fast-growing tree may lose all or some leaves. Garden trees reach 20–40 feet [6.1–12.2 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 25–35 feet [7.6–10.7 metres]. Some grow as broad shrubs with several main stems.

Slender trunks carry arching branches that may droop toward the ground. The crown can take an uneven, vase-like shape. Grey bark ranges from smooth to slightly rough. New twigs are brown, and the branches lack thorns. The green leaves grow one at a time along stems. Each leaf has two rounded lobes and veins like spread fingers. Leaves show little colour change before they fall.

The scented flowers resemble orchids and form clusters at branch tips. Their five petals vary in size. Flower colours include pink, purple, and white. Flowers may open as the leaves fall or just afterward. Florida records place flowering from January to April. The same source gives a broader late-winter to early-summer season. Bees pollinate the flowers. Flat, woody seedpods follow them and turn brown. Pods can reach about one foot [0.3 metres] long. Many pods remain on the tree through winter.

Full sun and soil that drains well suit this tree. It also tolerates some shade, sand, loam, and clay. It accepts acid through slightly alkaline soil. Sources differ on its water needs. PFAF lists moist or wet soil as preferred. UF/IFAS reports strong drought tolerance and better flowering on dry soil. Its listed USDA range is 9b–11. Growers use it for shade, street planting, hedges, and specimens. Pruning helps shape young trees and build stronger branches.

Weak wood can break in storms, and potassium shortages may occur. Fallen flowers, leaves, and pods create litter. Caterpillars, mites, and borers can attack it. Leaf spot, leaf scorch, and mushroom root rot also occur. Yet UF/IFAS reports few serious pest or disease problems. Seedlings can spread, and southern Florida classes it as invasive. People boil or pickle young leaves, flowers, and fruits. Sources report no known hazards, but do not establish pet safety. Traditional medicine uses bark, buds, flowers, and roots. Other uses include fodder, dye, tannins, wood, and fuel.