Bauhinia blackiana,
Fabaceae
Hong Kong Orchid Tree
AKA: Rakta Kanchan, Kanchan
ORIGIN
Introduced
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Originally discovered in Hong Kong in the 19th century, Bauhinia blakeana is believed to have arisen as a natural hybrid, possilby between Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata. Today, it is cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southern China and Hong Kong, India and Southeast Asia, Australia, parts of Africa and the warmer regions of the Americas
HEIGHT
15 - 20 m
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not Evaluated 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
15 - 20 m
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Originally discovered in Hong Kong in the 19th century, Bauhinia blakeana is believed to have arisen as a natural hybrid, possilby between Bauhinia purpurea and Bauhinia variegata. Today, it is cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, including Southern China and Hong Kong, India and Southeast Asia, Australia, parts of Africa and the warmer regions of the Americas
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not Evaluated on the
IUCN Red List
BARK, FOLIAGE, FRUIT & FLOWER
Leaves: The leaves are bilobed, shaped like a camel's footprint and sometimes used in mild herbal preparations.
Flowers & Fruit: Large, showy orchid-like flowers; no fruit or seeds due to sterility.
Flowers & Fruit: Large, showy orchid-like flowers; no fruit or seeds due to sterility.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Hong Kong Orchid Tree is an evergreen ornamental tree growing about 6 - 12 meters tall, with a spreading, umbrella-shaped crown. It is admired for its large orchid-like flowers, 10 - 15 cm wide, in shades of rose-purple, magenta and crimson. Notably, this tree is sterile and does not produce seeds, propagating mainly through cuttings.
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MEDICINAL USE
As a sterile hybrid, Hong Kong Orchid has limited traditional medicinal use. Some communities use leaf extracts for mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial purposes, based on practices from related species.
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ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE
Widely planted in cities, the Hong Kong Orchid tree provides shade, attracts bees and butterflies and helps improve urban microclimates by reducing heat and adding greenery.
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CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
The tree symbolizes identity, unity and pride in Hong Kong and is widely planted as a prestigious ornamental in public landscapes.
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HABITAT
The Hong Kong Orchid tree thrives in warm climates with moderate rainfall and is commonly planted along roadsides, gardens and parks.
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CULINARY USE
There are no common culinary uses. Edible applications seen in related Bauhinia species do not generally apply to this tree.
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FOUND HERE
Bayer Roadside
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DO YOU KNOW?
The flower of the Hong Kong Orchid Tree is the official emblem of Hong Kong and appears on its flag, coins and government logos.
EARTH CHALLENGE
Why does the Hong Kong Orchid Tree not produce seeds?