Bauhinia galpinii (Nasturium Bauhinia)


  • TropPlant Accession Number (TPAN): 0061
  • Botanical Name: Bauhinia galpinii
  • Common Name: Red Bauhinia, Nasturtium Bauhinia 
  • Cultivar: N/A
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native To: South Africa
Bauhinia galpinii flowers and foliage
Photo by Matthew Gaston

Landscaping Information: 

    • Plant Type: Shrub
    • Texture: Dense
    • Form: Mound, Spreading
    • Height (on average, in landscape use): 6'
    • Height to Spread Ratio: 1:2
    • Growth Rate: Medium
    • Landscape Values: Background, Border, Color, Filler, Foundation, Quick Effect, Screen, Windbreak, Erosion Control
    • Outstanding Quality: Flower Color, Foliage Color, Spreading/Trailing habit
    Bauhinia galpinii form
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    Botanical Descriptions:

    • Flowers: Brick red flowers, calyx 2.5" wide, apex spathe-like, petals 1.5" long and spatula shaped. 3 fertile stamens, ovary stalked. Flowers during early and late summer.
    Bauhinia galpinii flowers and foliage
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    • Fruits: Seed pod fruit, 2"-3" long, 0.5" wide, glabrous, contains 3-5 seeds. Often speckled with raised bumps.
    Bauhinia galpinii fruit and foliage
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    • Foliage Color: Young/immature: Light Green, Mature: Bright Medium Green to Blue-Green.
    • Foliage Tip: Retuse
    • Foliage Base: Cordate
    • Petiole: 0.25"-0.5" long
    • Stipules: N/A
    • Margins: Smooth
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
    • Leaf Shape: obcordate 
    • Leaf Type: Simple 
    • Leaf Texture: Soft, thin, somewhat waxy
    • Leaf Special Notes: Great blue-green foliage color coupled with a heart-shaped leaf provides a distinct tropical feel.
    Bauhinia galpinii foliage
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    • Bark and Trunk: Light Brown bark, 

    Horticultural Information: 

      • Light Preference: Full Sun
      • Light Tolerances: Semi-Sun
      • Soil Preferences: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
      • Tolerances: Strong Winds, Moderate Winds, Humidity, Regular Watering, Drought.
      • Water Requirements: Drought tolerant, but requires watering to become established. A good xeriscaping option.
      • Notes on Maintenance: Prune in early spring before spring and summer growth.
      • Propagation: Seeds, Cutting, Layer, Grafting/Budding.
      • Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone: 9a-11b
      • Weed Risk Assessment Score (WRA): Not Available

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