Bauhinia

Bauhinia (/boʊˈhɪniə/)^[4] is a large genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Cercidoideae^[5] and tribe Bauhinieae,^[6] in the large flowering plant family Fabaceae, with a pantropical distribution. The genus was named after the Bauhin brothers Gaspard and Johann, Swiss-French botanists.

Many species are widely planted in the tropics as orchid trees, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Nepal and southeastern China. Other common names include mountain ebony and kachnar. Before the family was reorganised,^[5] a number of genera including the lianas of genus Phanera were placed here (see related genera). In the United States, the trees grow in Hawaii, coastal California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. There are native species, like Bauhinia lunarioides native to Texas and widely planted in the Southwest as a landscape plant.^[7]

Bauhinia × blakeana is the floral emblem of Hong Kong—a stylized orchid tree flower appears on the flag of Hong Kong and Hong Kong Airlines uses 'Bauhinia' as its radio callsign in air traffic communication.

Description

Bauhinia trees typically reach a height of 6–12 m and their branches spread 3–6 m outwards. The lobed leaves usually are 10–15 cm across.

The five-petaled flowers are 7.5–12.5 cm diameter, generally in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, or yellow, and are often fragrant. The tree begins flowering in late winter and often continues to flower into early summer. Depending on the species, Bauhinia flowers are usually in magenta, mauve, pink or white hues with crimson highlights.

Cultivation

Propagation of Bauhinia species is from seeds or cuttings. They thrive in alkaline soils and do not tolerate salty conditions. Full sun exposure is preferred but they can be grown under partial sun. Generous watering is needed during summer; moderate moisture required in winter.

Species

Bauhinia acuminata

Bauhinia corifolia fruit

Bauhinia monandra

Bauhinia natalensis

Bauhinia phoenicea

Bauhinia purpurea

Bauhinia racemosa

Bauhinia tomentosa

Flower of Bauhinia x blakeana

Bauhinia variegata is almost leafless during flowering. Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia blakeana, which are often confused with B. variegata, are leafy during flowering.

Accepted species

Plants of the World Online currently (March 2023) includes the following species:^[2][8][9]

Hybrids

One hybrid is known:^[9]

• Bauhinia × blakeana S. T. Dunn (Bauhinia variegata × Bauhinia purpurea)—Hong Kong orchid tree

Fossils

Several fossils of Bauhinia species have been discovered:

• †Bauhinia cheniae Qi Wang, Z. Q. Song, Y. F. Chen, S. Shen & Z. Y. Li^[10]
• †Bauhinia cretacea Newberry^[11]
• †Bauhinia fotana F.M.B. Jacques et al.^[12]
• †Bauhinia gigantea Newberry^[13]
• †Bauhinia gracilis J.R. Tao^[14]
• †Bauhinia larsenii D.X. Zhang & Y. F. Chen^[15]
• †Bauhinia ningmingensis Qi Wang, Z. Q. Song, Y. F. Chen, S. Shen & Z. Y. Li^[10]
• †Bauhinia potosiana Berry^[16]
• †Bauhinia thonningii Schum.^[17]
• †Bauhinia ungulatoides Y.X.Lin, W.O.Wong, G.L.Shi, S.Shen & Z.Y.Li^[18]
• †Bauhinia wenshanensis H.H. Meng & Z.K. Zhou^[19]
• †Bauhinia wyomingiana Brown^[20][21]

Segregated genera

Species in the genera Barklya, Gigasiphon, Lysiphyllum, Phanera (including Lasiobema), Piliostigma, Schnella, and Tylosema are sometimes included in Bauhinia sensu lato or considered as tribe Bauhinieae.

References