PlantFiles: Anacacho Orchid Tree
Bauhinia lunarioides

Anacacho Orchid Tree Bauhinia lunarioides is Endemic to Texas.

The Anacacho orchid tree is also known as Texas plume (Texasplume) anad Pata de Vaca. A semi-evergreen (in mild winters it retains its leaves) to deciduous tree or shrub, it is hardy to 15°F (-9°C). It is a primitive angiosperm (thought to be a remnant of prehistoric times) and provides light to medium shade. In Texas, it is is native to the Anacacho Mountains of Kinney County, Texas as well as to a small area along the Devil’s River. It also inhabits northeastern Mexico (state of Coahuila). Anacacho orchid, in its native habitat, grows on rocky limestone canyons.

Because it is more readily available from specialty nurseries than it used to be, it can be found as a cultivated plant in many central and south Texas landscapes. Anacacho orchid tree does best in full sun to bright shade; however, it is bushier and fuller in full sun. It needs well drained soil and an area without a sprinkler system. If you live in Zone 8a, plant it where it will receive south wall protection and mulch around it just in case an unusually harsh winter occurs. A relatively fast grower and drought resistant once established, it has no serious disease or insect problems. Although deer resistant, it will need to be caged to prevent bark damage from rubbing.

The foliage is interesting, as the leaves are divided into pairs of two oval leaflets which resemble cloven hooves. White or pink (rare), fragrant, orchid-like flowers cover the plant in spring (in Texas, March through May) and sporadically throughout the year especially after a rain. I have seen one specimen near downtown San Antonio, Texas that receives no supplemental water that blooms March through October. However from a distance, the flowers appear to be much smaller in the later months because there may be only one bloom instead of a large crowded cluster of blooms and/or the blooms are smaller.

This is a wonderful lanscape or patio tree which attracts butterflies. Anacacho orchid also attracts honeybees which usually are harmless and do not seem to mind sharing the blooms with humans. It can be used in rock gardens, xeriscapes and wildscapes.