The Dwarf White Orchid Tree ( Bauhinia acuminata ) is a small evergreen tree, that is native to tropical Asia and can flower all year round. Most popularly grown as an ornamental plant or as a flowering hedge in tropical climates. The Dwarf Orchid Tree will survive and flower in warm temperate climates; however, it is not frost or drought tolerant, so will need extra care.
In Asian medicine, extracts from the roots are used to treat coughs; the leaves and bark to treat asthma; and the flowers to aid with headaches and hypertension.
Other common names include the White Bauhinia; White Mountain Ebony; Kachnar and Snowy Orchid Tree.
Growth
Bauhinia acuminata is a perennial, grows to approximately 3 metres tall and has unusual leaves, that we have heard people describe as a Siamese twin leaf, or a shoeless horses hoof! The correct terminology for this type of leaf is ‘bilobed’ which basically looks like two leaves have grown attached together. The flowers can grow up to 12 cm’s in diameter, have 5 petals, yellow tipped stamens and are fragrant.
Although native to dry tropical monsoon areas, it can be successfully grown in warmer temperate regions but will need protection from both frost and drought and will become deciduous in these zones. Can be grown in a pot.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 38°C / 50 to 100°F
SOIL TYPE:
Moist, well-draining soil
LOCATION:
Full Sun to Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 3 metres (9 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2.5 metres (8 feet)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Shrub-Small Tree. Deciduous in cooler climates
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium-High
POLLINATION:
Bees. Bisexual Flower
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
75-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks, dependent on conditions.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
6
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Not in Australia
EDIBLE:
While several Bauhinia species are edible, we are not sure about this species potential as an edible.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) for up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT BAUHINIA ACUMINATA (Dwarf White Orchid Tree)
The genus Bauhinia has hundreds of varieties, with flowers of many different colours. Bauhinia purpurea, a purple flowered species in this Genus; we also often have in stock as seeds.
Dwarf Orchid Trees are widely planted as an ornamental and have become naturalised in the Cape York region of Queensland.
