FamilyCaesalpiniaceae (Gulmohar family)
This tree is widely cultivated in tropical regions. It is thought to be an accidental hybrid between B. purpurea and B. variegata. A small evergreen tree to around 7m tall. Compared to other Bauhinias, the leaves of this one are huge, six to eight inches. The large, orchid-like flowers are rich magenta purple with paler veins, and the uppermost petal is darker towards the base. Flowers appear from February to November, with the peak flowering time in September to October.