Bauhinia blakeana Seeds | Hong Kong Orchid Tree
LATIN NAME: Bauhinia blakeana
COMMON NAME: Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Plant Profile
Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana) is a sterile hybrid tree of the pea family (Fabaceae), discovered in Hong Kong in 1880 and propagated entirely by cuttings ever since. It is a small evergreen tree 6-12 m tall, with twin-lobed ‘butterfly’ leaves and large, fragrant, orchid-like flowers of rich magenta-purple, borne for months from autumn to spring. Its flower is the official emblem of Hong Kong.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the Bauhinia group regularly include Bauhinia blakeana in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. Given this, buyers should be aware that seed offered under this name is very likely either mislabeled or sourced from a different, fertile Bauhinia species rather than true Bauhinia blakeana. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Hong Kong Orchid Tree for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. Hong Kong orchid tree is an enormously popular ornamental flowering tree across warm subtropical and tropical regions, prized for its large, fragrant, long-blooming purple flowers and deep cultural significance as floral emblem of Hong Kong. Given that this species cannot be grown from seed at all, anyone wanting a true Hong Kong orchid tree needs to source a grafted or cutting-grown specimen rather than seed. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Orchid trees are beloved ornamentals, and in India the leaves and bark have Ayurvedic records for thyroid and blood sugar support, now under laboratory study. The flower buds are also eaten as a vegetable in parts of Asia.
Growing from Seed
Hong Kong Orchid Tree grows readily from seed. Because this species is a sterile hybrid, it produces no viable seed, so propagation is only possible through cuttings or grafting onto compatible Bauhinia rootstock. If you have received seed under this name, it is worth verifying with supplier which species it actually represents, since true Bauhinia blakeana cannot be grown this way. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Part of this plant’s appeal is the long practical history summarized above. Hong Kong Orchid Tree is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Careful watering early on is rewarded by toughness at maturity.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Hong Kong Orchid Tree often pair it with these related subjects: