Orchid Tree

Description:

Bauhinia variegata is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Common names include "orchid tree" (though not belonging to the family Orchidaceae) and "mountain ebony". (Wikipedia) Also known locally as "butterfly tree". It's a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow to a height of 10-12 metres. However, this was only a young plant, but I did notice it had branches that were not so much high as long, spreading out much lower to the ground. Leaves are large and described as 'camel-foot' foliage - that's a pretty accurate description. I've yet to see the trees in flower and fruiting, but the 2nd reference link has images of the flowers and they are magnificent! This is a popular ornamental species that is common in subtropical and tropical climates, but is classified as a weed in Australia, although it has been naturalised in some parts of south-eastern and northern Queensland. The trees in this area have escaped someone's garden and have made their way into the bush, no doubt the seed pods having travelled along the creek course.

Habitat:

Remnant native bushland along Mimosa Creek, at Mt. Gravatt Cemetery, Brisbane. The cemetery is adjacent to Toohey Forest Conservation Reserve, a woodland reserve of approximately 655 hectares.

Notes:

Kachnar is a local name in India and Pakistan for the edible buds collected from the tree; it is widely used as an ingredient in many subcontinent recipes. (Wikipedia)