Bauhinia aculeata (White Orchid-Tree)

Native to tropical America, this deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub or tree can reach about 25 to 30 feet tall. It has large white, orchid-like flowers and long projecting stamens. The deeply divided leaves resemble a cow’s hoof, explaining the Spanish common name pata de vaca. In Florida, flowering extends from spring through summer. The flowers are followed by woody seed pods, and seedlings can appear around cultivated trees. In Colombia, wild plants occur in the Caribbean lowlands up to about 1,150 feet. It has become invasive in southern Florida, spreading into disturbed sites and the edges of natural areas. Photographed near Sabanalarga, Colombia.