Texasplume
(Bauhinia lunarioides)
Texasplume (Bauhinia lunarioides)
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Estimated Native Range
Summary
Bauhinia lunarioides, commonly known as Texasplume or Anacacho Orchid Tree, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the limestone cliffs and canyons of west-central Texas and northeastern Mexico. It typically grows to about 4 meters tall and can spread equally wide. The leaves of Texasplume are distinctive, being 2–5 cm long, broadly rounded, and bilobed at both the base and apex, resembling a butterfly in shape. The flowers, which bloom from early spring to late summer, are quite showy, with five white to pale pink petals, and are attractive to bees and butterflies. The fruit is a slender pod that persists into winter.
Texasplume is valued for its drought tolerance and ornamental flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a specimen in residential landscapes. It is also used for naturalistic plantings and as a patio tree. This species is adapted to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and requires well-drained soils, preferably with a limestone base. It is relatively low-maintenance once established, needing minimal supplemental watering. While it is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot. Texasplume is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, but it may self-seed under optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Texasplume is valued for its drought tolerance and ornamental flowers, making it a suitable choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a specimen in residential landscapes. It is also used for naturalistic plantings and as a patio tree. This species is adapted to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and requires well-drained soils, preferably with a limestone base. It is relatively low-maintenance once established, needing minimal supplemental watering. While it is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot. Texasplume is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, but it may self-seed under optimal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 7-20 feet
- Width: 3-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Limestone cliffs and canyons of west-central Texas and northeastern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Anacacho Orchid Tree, Pata De Vaca
Scientific Names: , Bauhinia lunarioides, Bauhinia congesta, Bauhinia macranthera var. grayana, Casparia congesta, Casparia jermyana, Bauhinia jermyana, Casparea congesta, Casparea jermyana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Bauhinia lunarioides A.Gray ex S.Watson