Originating in Hong Kong in the late 19th century, this sterile hybrid was reportedly found near the seashore at Pok Fu Lam and propagated from cuttings taken from a single tree; all plants in cultivation descend clonally from that source. It is now widely grown across warm regions of Asia, the Caribbean, northern Australia, and the southern United States, especially in Florida, southern Texas, and coastal California. A small to medium ornamental tree with a rounded, spreading habit that typically matures 20–35 ft tall, it flowers most heavily from late fall through early spring in climates with a dry, sunny season. The showy blossoms measure about 4–6 in across, with five overlapping petals ranging from magenta to rose-purple; the upper petal commonly bears lighter venation, and the flower displays a prominent set of white, arched stamens and style that give the bloom its orchid-like appearance. Flowers are lightly fragrant and produced in clusters along the branch tips, making the species a favored street and park tree in subtropical cities. It is propagated by cuttings or grafting onto related rootstocks; its sterility also means individuals are uniform in appearance and bloom time, a trait valued by landscapers. The tree is a cultural emblem of Hong Kong. It holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Photographed in Florida.