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Bauhinia divaricata

Scientific Name: Bauhinia divaricata

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bauhinia divaricata: The Butterfly Orchid Tree

Bauhinia divaricata, also known as the Butterfly Orchid Tree or Mexican Orchid Tree, is a flowering shrub or small tree belonging to the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family. It's recognized for its attractive flowers and distinctive bi-lobed leaves.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • This plant is a tree, usually with a short trunk and branches of irregular shape.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bauhinia divaricata L.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
  • Genus: Bauhinia
  • Common Names: Butterfly Orchid Tree, Mexican Orchid Tree, Cow's Hoof, Pom Pom Orchid Tree, Bauhinia Orchid Tree (English); pata de vaca, calzoncillo, pie de vaca, pata (pie) de cabra (Spanish).
  • Type Species: Bauhinia divaricata is the type species of the genus Bauhinia.
  • Synonyms: Bauhinia mexicana Vogel, Bauhinia confusa Rose, Casparea divaricata (L.) H.B.K. ex Britt. & Rose, Bauhinia adansoniana Guill. et Perr., Bauhinia amblyophylla Harms, Bauhinia americana Laun., Bauhinia aurita Aiton, Bauhinia caribaea.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus Bauhinia is named in honor of Johann and Caspar Bauhin, 16th-century Swiss-French identical twin brothers who were both botanists. The naming reflects their "twinned" nature.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bauhinia divaricata is widely distributed in Brazil.
  • Native to Mexico.
  • It is one of five wild Bauhinia species found on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics

  • A small tree, typically growing to about fifteen to twenty feet tall.
  • Leaves are alternate, simple, and broadly bi-lobed at the apex.
  • Flowers are typically white, appearing in abundance during the summer.
  • Some varieties exhibit a weeping habit when mature.

Cultivars

  • Bauhinia divaricata cv. rosea
  • Bauhinia divaricata. Cultivar "Purpurea"

Additional Information

  • It blooms all year long.
  • Bauhinia divaricata and Bougainvillea spectabilis are medicinal plants widely distributed in Mexico.
  • Its propagation is by seeds, which have been little investigated.

Further Resources

  • EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
  • Tropicos
  • ASU Vascular Plant Herbarium
  • Discover Life