The Orchid Tree blooms

Hi everyone,
The Orchid Tree or Bauhinia Variegata has bloomed. In fact, after the rain, some of the blooms are falling, but it is very pretty! The cold weather we had made it later to bloom, I think, than last year.


















This tree has seen a good amount of bad weather, been through three hurricanes and several bad storms, but it still hangs on. Several branches were blown off and it really needs a good shaping. I believe these trees thrive on neglect, though, and I sometimes see a little sprout coming up at some weird place where a seed pod has blown and where you wouldn't want a tree. I should dig one up and replant it, instead of doing away with the sprout.

Below is a close up shot of two of the pretty "orchids". Sometimes I bring a branch inside and they last a few days. These two blooms had blown off the tree.

Here is an even closer view of one of the blooms, which reminds me of a butterfly, in a way.

And below is a watercolor painting I did of some of the branches. The leaves are shaped like a cow's hoof. The blooms have a faint fragrance. I enjoyed doing the painting! Click on it to get a closer view. The painting is sold.

Thanks for looking at my blog!