Download Article 93 Bauhinia purpurea (Orchid Tree)

Weeds in our Area (Part Ninety Three)
By Bob and Ena McIntyre – Garden Route
Bauhinia purpurea & B.variegata
(Butterfly orchid and Orchid Tree, Camelsfoot)
Our available literature does not specify that the alien invasive Bauhinias are a problem in our region at this
time, however being aware and alert is always a good thing. There are many existing examples of this very
popular subject in gardens all around Wilderness and surrounding areas and keeping a close eye on these
will certainly be worthwhile.
Particularly suited to the coastal regions, the Natal and Cape coasts specifically, B.purpurea was highly
recommended as an ornamental that served a dual purpose of being exceptionally attractive as well as
providing excellent shade. The species originated in the tropical Asian regions and India, Burma and China.
B.variegata’s popularity was no doubt enhanced by the fact that it was very easily grown from seed. In the
early recommendations to gardening enthusiasts it is very interesting to note that even then a warning hint
was sounded with respect to where and when seedlings had to be planted. It was emphasized that the seed
should either be planted where it was intended to grow from the outset or the seedling transplanted when
it was two or three inches tall as the plants rapidly formed a long and evidently very tenacious tap-root that
“cannot be handled once it has grown too long”.
Identification: Deciduous to semi-evergreen
(B.variegata) or evergreen (B.purpurea) medium
size (6-10m) trees with characteristic “camel’s
foot” shaped foliage – two distinct lobes with a
deep division and obvious veins. The leaves are
large, thickly leathery and deep green in colour
born on long sturdy branches. The flowers are
very attractive, reminiscent of orchids (hence the
common name) and like the leaves quite large.
Colours are variable, generally pink blotched or
striped with red, cream or purple. There is also a
pure white version (B.variegata var candida). The
fruits are dark brown pods of 100 – 300mm in
length.
Invasive status: Declared invader Category 3.
(Ornamental plants, no new plantings) The plants
spread by means of seed that germinate easily. B.purpurea and B.variegata are competitive special effect
weeds that invade coastal bush, river banks and urban open space.
Control: No herbicides are registered for the species. Watch out for seedlings and hand-pull these as a
quick and practical solution.
Indigenous substitutes: Alberta Magna (Natal Flame), Acokanthera oppositifolia (Boesmansgif) (Note: This
plant is poisonous so PLEASE take great care when planting and wash hands after touching the foliage however the pinky-white flower-clusters have a heavenly fragrance and the plants are very handsome),
Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild Pear),Diospyros whyteana (Bladder nut)
References: Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants by Lesley Henderson, Copyright © 2001 Agricultural Research
Council, A-Z of Gardening in SA, W. Sheat. Ornamental Shrubs and Trees, Una v/d Spuy, Flowering Shrubs
and Trees, Sima Eliovson