Dwarf White Orchid Tree

Summary

Common Name(s):

Dwarf White Orchid Tree, White Bauhinia, Kachnar, Kachnal

Botanical Name:

Bauhinia acuminata L.

Synonym (s):

Casparia acuminata (L.) Heynh.

Family:

Fabaceae.

Native Range:

Tropical Asia.

Flowering:

October-March.

Fruiting:

February-April.

Life Form:

Shrub.

Category:

Ornamental (Flowering & Foliage).

Ornamental Use:

Grown for flowers and foliage

Toxicity:

No.

Dwarf White Orchid Tree
Nature's Calm and Timeless Grace.

Description


An erect shrub, can grow up to 3 m tall; young parts pubescent. Leaves bilobed, 7.5-13 cm long, lobes acute to subobtuse; base subcordate to nearly truncate, glabrous above, finely pubescent beneath. Flowers white, ca. 6 cm in across, present in short leaf opposed racemes. Pod glabrous, 7.5-12.5 cm long and 1.3-1.8 cm wide, beaked, tardily dehiscent.
Bauhinia acuminata
Whispers of Purity: Explore the White Beauty of Bauhinia acuminata.

Etymology


The genus name "Bauhinia" is named after two illustrious Swiss botanists, the brothers John and Caspar Bauhin. John (1541-1613) was responsible among other works for the great Historia Plantarum, published nearly forty years after his death. Caspar (1560-1624) produced a valuable collection of synonyms. It has been suggested that the twin leaflobes of the plant typify the two brothers. The specific epithet "acuminata" refers to the Latin word "acuminatus," which means "pointed" or "tapering to a sharp tip." It likely refers to the pointed apices of the leaf lobes.

Uses


Widely cultivated for its beautiful flowers and foliage, often as a hedge plant. It adds elegance and visual appeal to various outdoor settings.

Cultivation


Prefers full sun to bright partial shade and thrives in various well-drained but moist soils, preferably slightly acidic. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, air layering, and grafting.