Episode 109 - Bauhinia Blakeana

I spotted this flowering Bauhinia Blakeana at a small garden near my home. May is not supposed to be the flowering time for the tree. Perhaps the changes in global weather have affected this tree's "characters".

Bauhinia Blakena is said to be a mix of Bauhinia Purpurea and Bauhinia Variegata. It was first discovered in Hong Kong and has been adopted as the floral emblem of Hong Kong since 1965. It is also known as the Hong Kong orchid tree.

It is easy to confuse Bauhinia Blakeana with Bauhinia Variegata as they have similar outlook and heart shaped leaves. Bauhinia Variegata bears red flowers and blossoms in spring. Bauhinia Blakeana bears purple flowers and blossoms in Autumn. A Bauhinia Blakeana will not bear fruit.

Although Bauhina Blakeana is the "flower of the city", it is not commonly seen in the street - you can find more Bauhinia Variegatas than Bauhinia Blakeanas in Hong Kong.