Bauhinia divaricata (Butterfly Orchid Tree)

The genus Bauhinia, is named after 16th century Swiss-French identical twin brothers who were botanists, Johann and Caspar Bauhin.  Appropriately named, because the leaves of Bauhinia, are two-lobed and perfectly symmetrical.

This particular species blooms year round with pink and white whispy flowers, and is an excellent nectar source for butterflies, especially, the Giant Swallowtail.  As a bonus, in the winter, the ruby-throated hummingbird also finds it an excellent nectar source.  The tree has a nice umbrella crown shape and grows to about 20 feet.

Richard Lyons’ Nursery has this tree in various sizes.