Originating from Southern China, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, this plant has made its way to various parts of the world, where it is notably cultivated in urban areas particularly as a street tree. Cultivated for its beautiful, conspicuous flowers that come in shades of white, pink, or purple. Its flowers and buds find their way into Indian and Nepalese cuisines. The buds, known as Kachnar in the Indian subcontinent, are used in traditional Kachnar curry, stir-fried vegetables, and a type of pickle known as achaar. In Nepal, these floral parts are cherished ingredients in achar, a delightful mixture of boiled flower buds with spices, fresh peas, and potatoes. In some areas, in central and southern Florida the tree has turned invasive. The tree has medicinal potential attributed to its bioactive compounds, showing promise in antioxidant and anticancer activities. The Orchid Tree can withstand low temperatures down to 20 to 30°F. Photographed in the department of Quindio, Colombia.