Variegated Bauhinia and Purple Bauhinia

Bauhinia, is a medium sized tree bearing beautiful pink or white flowers. The most striking part of the tree is its leaves. They are butterfly shaped.

Bauhinia begins to shed leaves in November-December and flowers appear in spring when the tree is almost leafless. Usually, the upper leafless branches are full of blossoms while the lower ones still have leaves.

The flowers are in various shades --light pink, dark pink and white. The flower has five large petals. The centre petal is different from the rest in colouration. Hence the name variegated bauhinia (to diversify in external appearance, especially with different colour) For example, in the case of white bauhinia, the centre petal is pale yellow colour in the centre. The pods are small green to begin with and dehisce on the tree.

Another species, the Purple Bauhinia is similar to the Variegated Bauhinia but flower is different in shape, size and is not variegated.