Anacacho Orchid Tree

Although increasingly available from specialty nurseries, the Anancacho orchid tree is rare in Texas, growing only in the Anacacho Mts. west of Uvalde and one other small site. It is more common in Mexico. Its delicate, unusual leaves become divided into pairs of two oval leaflets, and showy white or pink flower clusters resembling orchids appear from March through May.

Its native habitat in Texas grows on rocky limestone canyons, and it needs well-drained soils to thrive. It is winter hardy in Austin, but farther north, it needs to be planted in a protected, south-facing location and may still lose some limbs in severe winters. Its unique foliage and showy flowers make it a beautiful specimen plant or a container plant for small areas.