Variegated Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata): Showy Flowers & Butterfly Leaves

Bauhinia variegata, the Variegated Orchid Tree (also called Mountain Ebony or Kachnar), is a small to medium deciduous tree famous for its large, orchid-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, and its distinctive, deeply cleft leaves shaped like butterfly wings.

Botanical Profile

Growing Variegated Orchid Tree

Native to southeastern Asia (India to China), this tree reaches 20–35 feet tall with a spreading canopy. The leaves are 4–6 inches wide, bilobed at the apex. Flowers are 3–5 inches across, with five irregular petals, appearing in late winter to spring on leafless branches—a spectacular display. Long, flat seed pods follow.

It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant once established. Hardy in zones 9–11; brief frost may cause leaf drop but it recovers. Use as a specimen, street tree, or in mixed borders. The flowers are edible (used in Indian cuisine). A stunning, low-maintenance flowering tree for warm climates.