Orchid tree (mountain ebony) Bauhinia variegata
Orchid tree (mountain ebony) (Bauhinia variegata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Southern China to the Indian subcontinent. It grows 6–12 m (20–39 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Orchid tree (mountain ebony) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Orchid tree (mountain ebony) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flower buds (cooked), young leaves |
| Native to | Southern China to the Indian subcontinent |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇨🇳 China, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
| Invasive in | Florida, Hawaii, Australia (Queensland): check local rules before planting |
Is Orchid tree (mountain ebony) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Orchid tree (mountain ebony)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Orchid tree (mountain ebony)
- How far apart should I plant Orchid tree (mountain ebony)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Orchid tree (mountain ebony) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Orchid tree (mountain ebony) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Orchid tree (mountain ebony)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Orchid tree (mountain ebony) flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 6–9 weeks.
- Is Orchid tree (mountain ebony) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Orchid tree (mountain ebony)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Two-lobed “camel’s foot” leaves and orchid-like pink and white flowers on bare branches in late winter.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis