Anacacho Orchid Tree
Bauhinia lunarioides, the Anacacho Orchid or Pata de Vaca (Cow Hoof) tree is native to a widespread region in Northeastern Mexico but also grows in a few canyons of western portion of Central Texas. It is a fast growing tree that can tolerate part shade to full sun and grows to around 6-12 feet tall and wide. The bark or trunk of tree is silvery grey, which shines through the light green deeply cleft leaves, resembling cow hooves.
In Central Texas, this tree loses the majority of all its leaves in winter due to severe freezes but in years where only light freezes occur it can keep most of its leaves throughout the year. Flowering takes place in spring to early summer and flowers are white to pale pink and orchid-like in form, emitting a light jasmine fragrance. The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Fruits resemble small to moderately sized flat green pods, large beans essentially. These trees are in the pea family, Fabaceae.
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by Dwarf Palmetto Design
