Scientific Name
Bauhinia lunarioides
Common Name
Anacacho Orchid Tree, Anacacho Bauhinia, Orchid Tree, Texas Plume.
Tree Description
Bauhinia lunarioides, Anacacho orchid tree, is a small deciduous multi-trunked tree. It has unique foliage, silvery bark and striking white to pink orchid-like flowers that attract wildlife and pollinators. It is an understory tree that prefers partial shade but is heat and drought tolerant.
Tree Size
Small
Height at Maturity
10ft–20ft
Width at Maturity
5ft-10ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Foliage Type
Deciduous
Sun Exposure
Part-Shade
Water Needs
Low Water
Potential Issues
Susceptible to strong winds. Best placed on South side of a building.
Average performance rating from pre-trial survey of experts
Good
Field Trial Monitoring Results
Fair potential utility as an urban tree based on evaluation of 9 trees, healthy crown, 83% survival, slow growth rate. No signs of pests or diseases found. Some plants have been lost during transplant. Roots may be sensitive and may not tolerate heavy soils/poor drainage.
Propagation Results
We have had decent germination with a fresh seed given a 4 hour hot water soak, and then greenhouse sown. Germination is prolonged and erratic over a year. Seedlings are slow growing and susceptible to scale.
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