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Dominica Botanic Gardens
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    • Introduction to Website
    • A Brief History
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    • Selected Trees and Shrubs
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    • Florida's Fairchild Garden
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    • Three Virtual Tours
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    • Early Panoramic Views
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Selected Trees and Shrubs
Bauhinia variegata, Common name: Orchid Tree, Mountain Ebony


Plant Family: A member of the Caesalpinaceae family. Other members include Flamboyant (Delonix regia)  and Golden Shower (Cassia fistulia)

Description: Small to medium size, fast-growing tree, 7-15 m tall (23-49 ft), with spreading crown; leaves 10-15 cm (4-6 in.), shaped like hooves of a cow, hence called Camel's Foot in some areas; inflorescense lateral at the ends of branches; large showy magenta and white flowers that resemble orchids in shape, with central petal darker and with reproductive parts clearly visible; 3 stamens are curved and longer than the other two; fruits are 15-25 cm long pods (6-10 in.).

Natural Habitat: Grows best in full sun or partial shade on well-drained soils.

Origin and Distribution: Native to India and SE Asia; now widespread throughout tropics and semi-tropics, and throughout Caribbean.

Uses: Shade tree and ornamental.

References:
G.W. Lennox and S.A. Seddon. Flowers of the Caribbean, Macmillan London: 1978
Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, (aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu). Univ. of Florida, Florida 2004.
​​Gardens Introduction

​

Preface - How it Began
Introduction to Website
A Brief History
Plan of Gardens 
Contemporary Commentary​
​Trees, Shrubs, Birds

​
​
Selected Trees and Shrubs
Medicinal Plants
​
Gardens Activities
  Florida's Fairchild Garden
Parrot/Animal Sanctuary
Birds of the Gardens
Garden Views

​
​
Three Virtual Tours
Panoramic Views Today
Early Panoramic Views
 
Hurricane David's Ravages
Future Developments
Curators/Administrators
Reports and Documents
  
Getting Involved
Related Links
Sub-sites

​

Honorees
Island Scholars
Cabinet Photos
​​Treasures of the Cathedral

​Diaspora Policy Paper
​

Visit the DAAS  Website
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Copyright © -  Davison Shillingford, Clayton Shillingford and (the late) Raglan Riviere