An unusual leaf with two unfolding halves... Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Click image to see this one of BLACK! Lovely veins, shadows and water drops.
Bauhinia blakeana or Hong Kong Orchid Tree is an orchid tree with large unusually-veined bi-folding leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers which are usually 4-10" across bloom from early October to the end of March here in South Florida.
The Bauhinia double-lobed leaf is similar in shape to a heart or a butterfly. It is 3 to 10" long and 4 or 5" wide, with a deep cleft dividing the tip. The immature leaf is exactly half as wide with the second half folded neatly up against it. A similar Brazilian variety which has large, drooping white flowers and is called pata de vaca which translates to cow's foot.
People in Asia call the leaf "clever leaf" (聰明葉/聪明叶), and regard it as a symbol of cleverness. Some people use the leaves to make bookmarks in the hope that the bookmarks will bring them good luck in their studies. For me, it brings back memories of cutting valentines out of fold paper in grade school!
Bauhinia, Hong Kong Orchid Tree
An unusual leaf with two unfolding halves... Hong Kong Orchid Tree
Click image to see this one of BLACK! Lovely veins, shadows and water drops.
Bauhinia blakeana or Hong Kong Orchid Tree is an orchid tree with large unusually-veined bi-folding leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers which are usually 4-10" across bloom from early October to the end of March here in South Florida.
The Bauhinia double-lobed leaf is similar in shape to a heart or a butterfly. It is 3 to 10" long and 4 or 5" wide, with a deep cleft dividing the tip. The immature leaf is exactly half as wide with the second half folded neatly up against it. A similar Brazilian variety which has large, drooping white flowers and is called pata de vaca which translates to cow's foot.
People in Asia call the leaf "clever leaf" (聰明葉/聪明叶), and regard it as a symbol of cleverness. Some people use the leaves to make bookmarks in the hope that the bookmarks will bring them good luck in their studies. For me, it brings back memories of cutting valentines out of fold paper in grade school!
Bauhinia, Hong Kong Orchid Tree