Bauhinia variegata L.
Abstract
Bauhinia variegata is a small to medium-sized evergreen or deciduous tree that reaches 1.8 to 7.6 m in height and up to 20.3 cm in diameter. The species grows well on soils of medium fertility that are either droughty or moist; it is not tolerate of nutrient-poor sites. Although reproduction is abundant, B. variegata spreads slowly and is confined to a limited habitat. It is native to southeastern Asia and grows from India to China. It is one of the most commonly cultivated small trees in India and is a reliable greenhouse species. A popular planting in Florida and Hawaii, the species has escaped and naturalized in the southern foothills of Puerto Rico and throughout the West Indies. No hybrids or geographical races have been reported. The 5-petaled, showy flowers appear on short racemes, about seven to each shoot. They are 7.6 to 10.2 cm across and range in color from white (in the variety candida Buch.-Ham.) to rose or lavender/ purple. Petals are 5.1 to 6.4 cm long and 2.5 to 3.2 cm wide. The calyx splits along one side when opening and remains attached. There are 5 to 6 fertile stamens per flower. Fruits are dark, dehiscent pods that curve and twist when splitting open. They are long, thin, and pointed on both ends.