Mountain Ebony
Bauhinia variegata
- Native to:
- Bangladesh, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Vietnam
Daniel Capilla
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Bauhinia
- Species:
- Bauhinia variegata
- USDA Symbol:
- BAVA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- feb,mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white, lavender
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Caribbean pod borer (Fundella pellucens)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers fertile soil with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 10–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification or brief hot water treatment. Germination improved with fresh seed at warm temperatures.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI