More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Flowers of Zihuatanejo
Pom Pom Orchid Tree
Bauhinia divaricata
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Legumes, Milkworts, and Allies (Order Fabales)
-Legumes (Family Fabaceae)
-Orchid Trees and Redbuds (Subfamily Cercidoideae)
-Tribe Bauhinieae
-Orchid Trees (Genus Bauhinia)
-Pom Pom Orchid Tree (Bauhinia divaricata)
Bauhinia trees typically reach a height of 6–12 m and their branches spread 3–6 m outwards. The lobed leaves usually are 10–15 cm across. Depending on the species, Bauhinia flowers are usually in magenta, mauve, pink or white hues with crimson highlights. Practical usage of the bark of orchidtree as an astringent in tanning and dyeing and of the leaves and flower buds as a vegetable has been reported.
Description
• Bauhinia divaricata, commonly known as butterfly bauhinia or pink butterfly tree, is a flowering shrub or small tree in the legume family (Fabaceae). Its distinctive leaves are rounded and divided into two lobes, resembling a butterfly's wings or a camel's hoof. The flowers have five spreading petals, usually white to pale pink or purplish, often with darker markings. Its fruit develops in long, flattened pods containing several seeds.
Range
• Bauhinia divaricata is native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. It is native to Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This shrub or small tree grows in tropical and subtropical environments, including seasonally dry forest, scrubland, woodland edges, and thickets. It favours warm climates and sunny locations and can tolerate periods of drought once established.