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Bauhinia lunarioides

Botanical Name

Bauhinia lunarioides A. Gray ex S. Watson

Common Name(s)

  • Anacacho orchid shrub
  • Anacacho bauhinia

Synonyms

Legume Clades

Cercidoideae , Bauhinia

Native Geographic Range

  • Southwestern North America

IUCN Status

Growth Form

shrub

Cultivation Status in AZ

Occasionally cultivated

Description

Evergreen or tardily cold- and drought-deciduous, unarmed, intricately branched shrubs or trees to 13 ft (4 m) high. The bark is smooth and pale gray. Leaves have 2 lobes or sometimes 2 leaflets that are oval to nearly circular and are wavy. The pale pink or white flowers are ca. 1 in (2.5 cm) across and are produced primarily from March into June.

Habitat

Found in a few localities in southwestern Texas and more widely distributed in in northeastern Mexico. The plants grow on rocky ridges, slopes, canyons, and along arroyos in thornscrub, desertscrub, and pine-oak woodland.

Uses

None reported.

Horticulture

Anacacho orchid shrub can planted as an informal hedge or pruned into a small patio tree. The small, butterfly-like leaves and flowers are attractive. Growth rate is slow. Supplemental irrigation helps to maintain appearance. Plants adapt to a variety of soils and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The plants are hardy to at least 10° F (-12° C). This species produces minimal litter.