Orchid Tree Definition

noun
Any of various tropical or subtropical trees of the genus Bauhinia in the pea family, having showy, irregular, usually lavender to purple flowers and deeply emarginate leaves, and widely grown as ornamentals.
American Heritage
A tree (Amherstia nobilis) in the pea family native to Myanmar (Burma), having compound leaves and a great profusion of large, irregular, yellow-spotted scarlet flowers.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
  • Bauhinia variegata
  • mountain ebony