Bauhinia forficata, commonly known as Brazilian Orchid Tree, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree native to the Atlantic Forest biome of South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It typically grows to a height of 5-35 feet (1.5-10.7 meters) and a width of 25-35 feet (8-11 meters). The Brazilian Orchid Tree has a distinctive appearance with two-lobed, butterfly-shaped leaves and showy, fragrant flowers that are cream and white, resembling orchids. The flowering season extends through spring and summer, and the flowers are highly attractive to pollinators.

The Brazilian Orchid Tree is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in cultivation for urban planting, as a street tree, and in gardens for its aesthetic appeal. It is relatively easy to maintain and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. It requires full sun to part shade and moderate watering. While it is not known for major disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils. This species is not typically invasive outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not become a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0