Orchid Tree

Description:

Orchid-Tree will ultimately reach 35 feet in height and width, the slender trunks topped with arching branches clothed in large, two-lobed, deciduous leaves. In fall, before the leaves drop, Orchid-Tree is covered with many showy and delightfully fragrant, five-inch-wide blossoms, the narrow purple, pink, and lavender petals arranged to closely resemble an orchid. These flowers appear on the trees from September through November. The flowers are followed by 12-inch-long, slender, brown, flat seedpods which usually persist on the tree throughout the winter.

Habitat:

Landscaped area at Robert's Grove, Placencia, Belize.