Bauhinia purpurea purple, the Purple Orchid Tree, is a tropical shrub or small tree growing up to a height of 6 to 9 meters with a spreading habit. It may be grown indoors with warmth and bright light and kept pruned to a small size. It is fast growing. It is native of Pacific ocean Islands and naturalized in tropical America. This is a small tree with smooth grey-brown bark. The branches have thorns. The green leaves are 5 to 10 cm across and cleft almost to the middle, giving the leaf the shape of a hoof print. Their characteristic twin lobed leaves give them a definite tropical look. Pruning is necessary to keep the structure of the plant strong. This beautiful variety develops striking purple orchid-like flowers with red or blue blotches. The flowers bring with them a delightful fragrance. The petals are spreading, each about 2.5 - 4 cm long. The plant blooms from September through November. The flowers are followed by pods maturing in the fall. Seeds are in pea-like brown pods, which may be 15 to 30 cm long. Hardiness Zones 10-11, (1øC/35øF,5øC/40øF) in winter. It is hardy to drought and moderate frost, but may need protection from frost in the first two or three years after planting. Use sandy well drained potting soil. Grow in full sun and procure average water.This plant is known to resist average periods of drought or cold. It is easy to cultivate and requires little attention once established.