Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Red bauhinia, Red orchid tree, Red butterfly tree, Red orchid bush, South African orchid bush, African plume, Pencil tree, Nasturtium bush, Nasturtium Bauhinia, Pride of the Cape, Pride of de Kaap
Red Orchid tree is a very beautiful shrub or small tree that can be planted and maintained very easily in home gardens. They are native to South Africa, especially the Cape region and hence the tree is called Pride of the Cape or Pride of De Kaap.
Red orchid trees have now been introduced to most tropical countries, where they have adapted well.
Tree characteristics
Red Orchid trees only grow to a height of 3-5 meters with long branches that can scramble over supporting structures or surrounding vegetation. The bark is grayish-brown, strong and upright towards the base, long and slender towards the tip.
Leaves of Red orchid tree are bright green with two lobes that are joined at the center by a midrib. This hoof-like or butterfly-like shape is typical of other related Bauhinia species like Bauhinia purpurea or Purple orchid tree, Bauhinia acuminata or White orchid tree, Bauhinia monandra or Pink orchid tree, and other species as well that are closely related.
Leaves are 7-15 cm long and 10-12 cm wide with a slightly hairy texture. These leaves grow very thick on the branches providing a beautiful backdrop and contrast to the bright red flowers.
Flowers of the Red orchid are bright, beautiful and large about 8-10 cm in diameter. There are 5 distinct petals that slightly separated at the base, reminiscent of the Gulmohar flowers, except all the petals are the same color.
The most commonly found are the red flowers, but there are variants with pink and orange flowers as well. Red orchid trees bloom in abundance in spring and summer, attracting insects that help pollinate the flowers.
Fruits are flat, elongated pods, typical of the green peas and beans family of Fabaceae. They are about 5-10 cm long and contain several flattened, oval seed.
Seed pods are initially green, slowly turning brown as they mature, breaking open to release the seeds. Seeds are dispersed by wind and are spread by small animals that help propagate them.
Gardening tips
Red orchid trees prefer full sunlight and well-drained soil, but they can tolerate sub-optimal soil conditions. The trees need regular watering and fertilization only when they are small.
Once the trees are established in the soil, they do not need regular care and maintenance.
These trees can stand on their own, but they love supporting structures to clamber on and grow tall. So, they can be grown near trellises or fences.
The long branches can also climb over surrounding shrubs or vegetation, starving them of sunlight. So it is better to prune the wayward branches that seek support.
When grown near compound walls, they can use the wall for support, sending long shoots with flowers above the wall. Since the roots do not go very deep, there is very little chance of them ruining the wall.
Uses of Red orchid tree
Parts of the tree have been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat cuts, wounds, indigestion, bloating, inflammations, and fungal infections.
Red orchid trees are mainly grown as ornamental trees in gardens and landscaped areas, filling the place with beautiful red flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and insects. They can be pruned well and grown as hedge or border plants.
The thick stems and foliage will prevent grazing or stray animals from entering through them. They can also provide privacy to garden areas with their thick green foliage.
Belonging to the Fabaceae family, the roots of the tree have nitrogen-fixing bacteria that can convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and nitrites that can improve soil quality.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds collected from mature and brown seedpods and planted in moist, well-draining soil. Semi-hard stem cuttings can also root well in soil, making it very easy to propagate these plants.
Photographed at: Lalbagh Gardens, Bangalore
