Amrhestia nobilis,
Fabaceae
Orchid Tree
AKA: Pride of Burma, Urvashi
ORIGIN
Introduced
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
The Orchid Tree is native to Myanmar (Burma), where it was first discovered and described in the early 19th century. Though originally rare and localized, it has since been cultivated across tropical regions for its ornamental value in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.
HEIGHT
10 - 15 m
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable on the
IUCN Red List
IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
ORIGIN
Introduced
HEIGHT
10 - 15 m
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
The Orchid Tree is native to Myanmar (Burma), where it was first discovered and described in the early 19th century. Though originally rare and localized, it has since been cultivated across tropical regions for its ornamental value in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Vulnerable on the
IUCN Red List
BARK, FOLIAGE, FRUIT & FLOWER
Leaves: Compound leaves with paired leaflets that change from bronze-red to green.
Flowers & Fruit: Large, hanging crimson flowers in long clusters.
Flowers & Fruit: Large, hanging crimson flowers in long clusters.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Orchid Tree is a rare, evergreen tropical tree growing about 10 - 15 meters tall, with a broad crown and drooping branches. It is famous for its spectacular crimson to magenta flowers that hang in long clusters. The large, unevenly shaped flowers have bright red petals with yellow markings. Its compound leaves have several paired leaflets that emerge bronze-red and turn green as they mature.
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MEDICINAL USE
There are no well-documented traditional medicinal uses for the Orchid Tree. Scientific research on its medicinal properties is limited due to its rarity.
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ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
The Orchid Tree flowers provide nectar for birds, bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity in cultivated landscapes. Conservationists emphasize the importance of preserving genetic stock of Orchid Tree, as wild populations are extremely limited and the species is considered vulnerable in its native habitat.
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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
In Myanmar, where it originates, the Orchid Tree symbolizes grace and nobility and is planted in temple gardens and heritage spaces. It is highly valued by horticulturists for its ornamental beauty.
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HABITAT
It thrives in warm, humid climates and well-drained, fertile soils, preferring semi-shaded environments. The species is sensitive to drought and frost, making it most successful in botanical gardens and tropical estates rather than wild habitats. In its native range, true wild populations are considered extremely rare or possibly extinct.
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CULINARY USE
There are no known culinary uses for the Orchid Tree.
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FOUND HERE
Rodas Podium
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DO YOU KNOW?
Orchid Tree is often called the "Queen of Flowering Trees" because of its extraordinary beauty and rarity. The tree was named in honor of Lady Sarah Amherst, a British botanist and plant collector and her husband William Pitt Amherst, a former Governor-General of India. There are only two such trees in the Thane region!
EARTH CHALLENGE
Why is the Orchid Tree called the Queen of Flowering Trees ?