Wanted

Orchid trees do very well in the lower desert heat but have troubles with the saltiness. The less common Hong Kong orchid tree is preferable to the more common Purple orchid tree because it is sterile so it does not produce the messy beans that the Purple does. Also, the Hong Kong has larger flowers and leaves, and a longer flowering period, from January to May. The Hong Kong also has a white smooth trunk rather than the rough black trunk that the Purple has. Orchid trees can become very large, up to 30 feet tall, but can also be kept as a small tree or bush with pruning. 

Bauhinia variegata

purple orchid tree

25°

Like Bauhinia purpurea, also called the purple orchid tree. It forms a dense, medium green crown at a moderate to rapid rate up to 25 feet high with an equal spread. Profuse magenta to purple flowers cover the branches in late winter. White-flowered forms are available. Mature trees can be seen throughout the Coachella

Bauhinia variegata, purple orchid tree.

Bauhinia

Bauhinia blakeana, Hong Kong orchid tree.

·          laurel tree- Mediterranean