Orchid Tree Colouring Page

The orchid tree shown here is Bauhinia variegata, a flowering tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It is sometimes called mountain ebony or kachnar. It is not a true orchid; the name comes from its large orchid-like flowers. The tree usually grows about 6 to 12 metres tall and can live for many decades. Its easiest identifying feature is the leaf: every rounded leaf is split into two lobes, rather like a camel's hoof or a butterfly. Large five-petalled blossoms open in clusters, followed by long flat seed pods. The trunk branches low and supports a rounded crown. In many warm places, flowering is strongest from late winter into early spring, sometimes while the crown carries fewer leaves. Bees and nectar-feeding birds visit the flowers, and squirrels travel along the branches. The pods dry later and may split to release seeds. Some Bauhinia flowers or buds are used as food in particular regional traditions, but children should never eat parts from an unknown tree or without an adult who knows the plant and preparation. Leave blossoms on public trees for pollinators and other visitors to enjoy. Colour the orchid-like flowers magenta, purple, rose, white with pink stripes or a mixture. Many flowers have a deeper colour near the centre, so begin lightly at the outer petal and press more firmly inward. Make buds a darker shade than open blossoms. The distinctive two-lobed leaves can be fresh green with a pale centre vein; outline the central notch clearly. Young pods are green and older pods tan or brown. Use warm grey or medium brown on the branching trunk. A sunbird can carry purple, blue, green or yellow highlights, the squirrel soft brown or grey, and bees golden with dark bands. Give the garden path cream or pale grey, the grass two greens and the cool-season sky a light blue. Use rounded strokes on petals, short paired strokes on each leaf lobe and long upward strokes on the trunk. Keep narrow white gaps between neighbouring flowers and leaves so the rounded crown remains easy to follow. As you colour, compare the split leaves with butterfly wings and notice why the blossoms inspired the name orchid tree.

◫ A4 size✎ Bold outlines♡ Ages 3–8

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Grown-up note: Please supervise printing and choose age-appropriate art materials.