Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides)

   
 

Overview and flowers of the Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides). Chihuahuan Desert Gardens. Photographs by Wynn Anderson.

• Common English Names: Anacacho Orchid Tree, Orchid Tree
• Common Spanish Names: Pata de Vaca
• Scientific Name: Bauhinia lunarioides (baw-HIN-ee-uh loo-nair-ree-OY-dees) (also known as B. congesta)
• Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Geographic Range: Anacacho Hills, Kinney County, Texas, and in Coahuila, Mexico.
• Plant Form: Deciduous small tree or occasionally shrub, 12' H X 10' W.
• Remarks: Fast growing, normally small single-trunked tree with distinctive light green, bi-lobe leaflets that resemble cloven hooves, and crowded clusters of white or rarely pale pink flowers in mid to late spring and sometimes flowering lightly in fall. Moderate water, full sun to partial shade, well draining soil, hardy to 15°F. Good patio tree. Attracts butterflies.

Last Update: 4 Sep 2002