Bauhinia macrantha, commonly known as Rag Bush, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the savannas and open woodlands of Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 3-18 feet (0.9-5.5 meters) and a width of 3-9 feet (0.9-2.7 meters). The plant has a distinctive growth form with spreading branches and heart-shaped leaves that are characteristic of the genus Bauhinia. The flowers, which appear in the fall and winter, are striking with their unusual combination of red and blue hues and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Rag Bush is valued for its ornamental flowers and its ability to adapt to various soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is used in cultivation for border planting, as a specimen plant, or integrated into mixed shrub borders. It requires full sun to thrive and moderate watering, making it relatively low maintenance. While not common, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Rag Bush is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, but gardeners should be aware of potential pests such as aphids and caterpillars. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but as with all non-native plants, gardeners should monitor its growth and spread.CC BY-SA 4.0