Bauhinia monandra, commonly known as the pink orchid tree, is an eye-catching ornamental grown for its large, orchid-like blossoms in shades of pink and magenta. It’s a small to medium-sized tree with distinctive two-lobed “camel’s foot” leaves and showy flowers that attract pollinators and brighten landscapes. Because it grows quickly and tolerates a range of conditions, it has been widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Hawai‘i.

However, pink orchid tree has a history of naturalizing and spreading beyond cultivation in many Pacific Islands and other warm climates. It produces plentiful seeds and can establish in disturbed areas, dry forests, and roadsides, where it may compete with native plants. Due to these invasive tendencies, Bauhinia monandra is not recommended for cultivation in Hawai‘i. Gardeners looking for a similar tropical look can choose non-invasive alternatives that support healthy, resilient island ecosystems.