This small tree with two-lobed leaves and orchid-like flowers is widely grown in Hawai‘i and Southern California. It may require regularly scheduled light trimming of vigorous shoots to maintain its height below 25 feet. Bauhinia variegata has a HPWRA (Hawai‘i Pacific Weed Risk Assessment) score of 8 (Low Risk).Native Range: India and ChinaHorticultural use: Street Tree or ScreenEthnobotanical Info / Tree Use: Native to India and Nepal, where the tree is used by numerous Indigenous groups in traditional medicine. The bark extract is used as a liver tonic. The flowers and buds are edible, and cooked as an element of curries and other regional dishes. (Bodakhe & Ram, 2007; Mali et al., 2007; N. Singh et al., 2019)

Tree Shape: Rounded
Foliage Type: Partly Deciduous
Maximum Tree Height: 35 feet
Canopy Width: 20-35feet
Growth Rate: ~12-24in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Alternate and Simple
Leaf Shape: Oval
Leaf Color: Light Green
Fall Color: Yes
Flowers: Fragrant
Flower Color: Lavender or Pink
Flower Time: Winter or Spring
Fruit Size and Color: Very Large Brown Legume
Fruiting Time: Summer
Bark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray
Bark Texture: Scaly and Smooth
Litter Type: Dry Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: 4′ to 7′
Water Use Rating: Medium
Sunset Climate Zone: 13, 18 – 24, H1 and H2
Soil Texture: Loam or Sand
Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: Low
Schoolyard Trees: No
Shade Tolerance: No

Branch Strength: Medium
Root Damage Potential: Low
Potential health issues: None Known
Biogenic Emissions: Moderate
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts Birds
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Aphids
Utility Friendly: No