Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Trees

Anacacho Orchid Tree, Bauhinia lunarioides (congesta)

Anacacho Orchid Tree, Bauhinia lunarioides (congesta); March 23, 2006 Arrowhead Ranch

Pata de Vaca Tree Flowers Bauhinia lunarioides (congesta)	Anacacho Orchid Tree Flowers Bauhinia lunarioides (congesta)
Pata de Vaca Tree Leaves Bauhinia lunarioides (congesta)	Anacacho Orchid Tree Seed Pods

Anacacho Orchid Tree Bauhinia lunarioides Pea Family ( Fabaceae ) Anacacho Orchid Tree. Also Called Pata de Vaca, Orchid Tree. Semi-evergreen to deciduous tree sometimes placed in the Caesalpiniaceae family. A small graceful tree which holds its leaves over the winter (during mild winters). In the spring, white to pink orchid - like fragrant flowers cover the tree. Flushes of blooms follow our heavy Summer or Fall rains. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Anacacho Orchid Tree is moderately fast growing if given regular watering but it is also tough enough to withstand extreme drought. Height: 15 To 18 Feet Tall. Similar Spread. Bark: Grayish-brown, thin, smooth or scaly. Trunk: 3 to 8 inches in diameter. Flowers: White to pink orchid - like, very fragrant. Blooming Time: Late March - April. Leaves: Gray - green, butterfly - shaped, leaves with 2 leaflets connected in the middle. Seeds: Flat dark brown seedpods. Found: Statewide. Low water use landscaping plant in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. It does need watering. Elevation: Below 2,000 Feet. Habitat: Rocky limestone canyons, needs well-drained soils. Xeriscape Plant. Introduced from the Anacacho Mountains of Texas: Louisiana: Northeastern Mexico (Coahuila). Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 23, 2006 Arrowhead Ranch.