Bauhinia variegata
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 Bauhinia variegata flower
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| Bauhinia variegata L. |
Bauhinia variegata is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to southeastern Asia, from southern China west to India. Common names include Orchidtree and Mountain-ebony.
It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10-12 m tall, deciduous in the dry season. The leaves are 10-20 cm long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are conspicuous, bright pink or white, 8-12 cm diameter, with five petals. The fruit is a pod 15-30 cm long, containing several seeds.
[edit] Cultivation and uses
It is a very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers. In some areas it has become naturalised and invasive.
