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Kampala Tree and Palm Directory

Tree Species

Common Name

Tree Description

Tree Uses

English: Hong Kong Orchid Tree.

Whole tree

Bark

Leaves

Flowers

+ Tree Species

Bauhinia blakeana

+ Tree Family

Fabaceae

+ Ecology

Hong Kong Orchid tree is native to Hong Kong. It grows in full sun on well-drained soil. It is also sterile so it does not set seed pods. In Kampala, this tree can be found at Yusuf Lule among other places.

+ Description

Hong Kong orchid tree attains a height of 6m to 15m with a diameter 15cm to 20cm. It has a rounded, spreading canopy composed of large grey/green leaves.

BARK: light grey, smooth.

LEAVES: Lobed and Palmate, grey green, partly deciduous.

FLOWERS: perfect, rose-purple, pink stamens.

FRUIT: fruitless.

+ Uses

An ornamental tree.

Can be used as a screen tree.

+ Propagation

Cuttings, air-layering.

+ Management

Pruning to develop a nice rounded form.

+ Remarks

Hong Kong orchid tree displays beautiful orchid like blooms that make it desirable for the landscape. This hybrid tree does not produce fruit. It has weak wood which is susceptible to breakage in storms and has litter problem created by the falling leaves and flowers.