Orchid Tree
Spring Blossoms - Orchid Tree
Spring in Galveston always offers an outstanding array of flowering trees and shrubs. Currently on display are Orchid trees (Bauhinia spp). All around the island you can see small trees covered with large pink to purple or white blossoms. We lost a number of these to Hurricane Ike but they seem to be returning to local landscapes in large numbers. This is not surprising, as they are spectacular during blooming season.
Depending on the variety, these trees blossom in late winter or early spring and can stay in bloom for weeks. On the island they are small deciduous to semi evergreen trees, usually 10-20 feet in height with a rounded crown if left unpruned. The flowers resemble showy orchids, with five irregular, slightly overlapping petals in shades of white, magenta, lavender or purplish blue. The flowers can be up to 3-5 in across in clusters at branch tips. The distinctive large light green, papery leaves are two-lobed and shaped somewhat like a cow's hoof. Bauhinias belong to the pea family Leguminosae and produce large flattened brown woody seed pods up to 12 inches long.
Bauhinias are native to tropical and subtropical areas including India, China, Malaysia, South America and parts of tropical Africa. However we do have some native to Mexico and Texas. The genus was named in honor of John and Caspar Bauhin, Swiss herbalists and botanists of the 16th Century. The two-lobed leaves are said to be representative of the two brothers.
Orchid trees are fairly rapid growers and are widely used as free standing specimen plants. Most are compact in size and fit in well in a home landscape. Bauhinias are quite variable in flower color and range from white to pinkish-purple and even rich reddish rose or purple. They like moist but well-draining, organically enriched soil and may need supplemental irrigation in dry periods. They prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. No major pests are reported.
The native Texan, Anacacho Orchid (Bauhinia lunarioides), has been introduced locally by recent NeighborWoods plantings. This smaller version is relatively rare in Texas and more common in Mexico. Its delicate leaves are divided into pairs of two oval leaflets, and showy white or pink flower clusters appear from March through May. It needs well-drained soils to thrive and is winter hardy in our area. Its unique foliage and showy flowers make it a beautiful specimen plant, or a container plant for small areas.
Bees seem to love the blooms of these trees, and butterflies are particularly attracted to the nectar of the Anacacho Orchid tree. However the seeds are reportedly not attractive to wildlife.
If you are looking for a hardy low maintenance flowering shade tree to add interest to your home landscape, you might consider a Bauhinia to grace your yard. Trees can be started from seed with bloom beginning within two to three years, or by air layering. They are also available at local nurseries.
“Tree Stories” is an ongoing series of articles about outstanding Island trees, tree care, and tree issues. If you have or know of a special tree on Galveston Island that should be highlighted, please email treesforgalveston@gmail.com. Margaret Canavan is a Galveston resident, a Galveston County Master Gardener, and a member of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Board.
Hurricane Ike caused the loss of 40,000 trees on Galveston Island. The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy was formed to address that loss and has replaced over 14,000 through grant-funded plantings and giveaways.
