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| Anacacho Orchid Tree Bauhinia lunarioides (B. congesta) Fabaceae (Leguminoseae) Although increasingly available from specialty nurseries, Anancacho orchid tree is rare in Texas, growing only in the Anacacho Mts. west of Uvalde and one other small site. It is more common in Mexico. Its delicate, unusual leaves are divided into pairs of two oval leaflets, and showy white or pink flower clusters resembling orchids appear from March through May. In its native habitat in Texas it grows on rocky limestone canyons, and needs well-drained soils to thrive. It is winter hardy in Austin, but farther north it needs to be planted in a protected, south-facing location and may still lose some limbs in severe winters. Its unique foliage and showy flowers make it a beautiful speciman plant, or as a container plant for small areas.
Plant Habit or Use: medium shrub
Exposure: sun Flower Color: white or pink Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: legume Height: 8 to 12 feet Width: 6 to 10 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: neutral Additional Comments:
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