This is a native shrub or small tree that is common throughout tropical Mexico and Central America. I got a small plant when a friend was clearing brush for a new house in the country. It's a pretty plant, and it blooms all year. I have been trimming it to keep it above some shorter plants in the same area so it is not very full. It has long, graceful branches that are arching over the caladiums below. I'm kind of happy with it.

That is a lovely plant. I have proposed your pictures for the database!

Thanks Hetty, I just went and submitted them, I thought I might as well learn how. I have a web site that gives more info on it but it is in Spanish. http://www.conabio.gob.mx/male...

We have some native Bauhinias here as well but they don't have the showy flowers like the Asian species. So you don't get them in gardens. The one they recommend here is the Hong Kong Orchid Tree because the flowers are sterile and it's not invasive like some of the others. Having got mine from seed, well yes ........ I'll have a bit of weeding ahead of me.

Yes, the Hong Kong Orchid is a lovely small tree. The Purple one is everywhere here, it self seeds like mad, but the scent is heavenly when a bunch of them are in bloom.

I was thinking today that I would take the camera out and get some pictures of the huge bauhinias along the city streets. The blooms are a pale pink but it looks similar to the Hong Kong orchid tree. I'll try and do that tomorrow.

Great idea. I have to take my camera on my bicycle rounds too. There are all kinds of great things growing and blooming here in my neighborhood.