Common Name:
Anacacho orchid tree
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Bauhinia lunarioides
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Anacacho bauhinia is a moderately fast growing, deciduous shrub or multi-trunked small tree that reaches 2-4 m (6-12 ft) tall and often, equally wide (6, 7) if planted in a favorable location (7). Branches are brittle and thornless (7). Bark is silvery grey and generally smooth textured. Leaves are small, bright green, and deeply cleft or nearly pinnate-compound and paired at the top of the leaf petiole (7). Flowers appearing in late winter or early spring, are delicate, white to pale pink and similar in shape to orchids (6, 7). The corolla has two dominant petals that resemble paired, butterfly wings, and long stamens extend past the corolla like antennae. Flowers are borne in many-flowered clusters (7). Fruits are initially flat, green, long pods that dry, turn copper-brown, and coil at maturity. With dehiscence, small dark brown seeds are expelled.
Compound:
Bau lun
Geographic Origin:
Chihuahuan Desert
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
hihAnacacho bauhinia is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and Texas (1,2). Anacacho bauhinia is cultivated along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida (3). The tree is also grown in California, Mexico, Mediterranean and Caribbean (3). A common habitat for the anacacho bauhinia is canyons and arroyos in limestone hills (2). This plant does best in well-drained sand, loam, and limestone (2,3). This plant is likely to succeed in growth when planted on the south side of a building, protected from winter winds (2). Over time this tree has become more of a landscape patio plant and sold in a shrub-like form. (4).
Cultivation Notes:
Anacacho bauhinia is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico and Texas (1,2). Anacacho bauhinia is cultivated along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida (3). The tree is also grown in California, Mexico, Mediterranean and Caribbean (3). A common habitat for the anacacho bauhinia is canyons and arroyos in limestone hills (2). This plant does best in well-drained sand, loam, and limestone (2,3). This plant is likely to succeed in growth when planted on the south side of a building, protected from winter winds (2). Over time this tree has become more of a landscape patio plant and sold in a shrub-like form. (4).
Ethnobotany:
The flower nectar allures many butterflies and bees (2). These flowers are essential to the butterflies and bees in remote canyons. Since this is one of the few trees that are drought resistant, this nectar is an important source of food for these small insects (4). This species can be used for patio and backyard landscapes because of its appealing flowers.
Height:
11 - 15 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Patio
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
