Hawaiian Orchid Tree

Blooms of an Hawaiian Orchid Tree (Bauhinia)

'Many species are widely planted in the tropics as orchid trees, particularly in northern India, Vietnam and southeastern China. In the USA, the trees grow in Hawaii, coastal California, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Bauhinia is the floral emblem of Hong Kong and a stylized orchid tree flower appears on the post-colonial era Hong Kong flag. Hong Kong Airlines uses 'Bauhinia' as its radio callsign in air traffic communication. Asians call it the Hong Kong Orchid Tree.