Bauhinia

My Dear Great Ones:

For your information. FYI

Bauhinia blakeana commonly called the Hong Kong Orchid Tree^[1] is a legume tree of the genusBauhinia, with large thick leaves and striking purplish red flowers. The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually 10 to 15 centimetres (3.9 to 5.9 in) across, and bloom from early November to the end of March. Although now cultivated in many areas, it originated in Hong Kong in 1880 and apparently all of the cultivated trees derive from one cultivated at the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens and widely planted in Hong Kong starting in 1914.^[2] It is referred to as bauhinia in non-scientific literature though this is the name of the genus. It is sometimes called the Hong Kong orchid (香港蘭). Commonly called by the people of Hong Kong by its Chinese name "洋紫荊".

The Hong Kong Flag

1. The position of red and white on the flag symbolizes the "one country two systems" political principle applied to the region. The stylized rendering of the Bauhinia blakeanaflower, a flower discovered in Hong Kong, is meant to serve as a harmonizing symbol for this dichotomy.
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On July 1, 1997, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was formed following Great Britain's return of the territory to China. In celebration, China's Central Government presented a gilded bauhinia statue to the city. The statue was placed in the square next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre facing the Wan Chai waterfront. This location is now called Golden Bauhinia Square.

Have a great week everyone!

Love adios and ping on!

Dirk