The Bauhinia flower which appears on our regional flag. This is the flower of the tree Bauhinia blakeana which was first found in Hong Kong. There are 10 other species of Bauhinia found in Hong Kong of which 5 are native and 5 are introduced from other parts of the world. 3 of these are trees, 4 are classed as shrubs and the other 3 are creepers or vines.It is very easy to distinguish a Bauhinia from any other tree in Hong Kong since they all have distinctive 2-lobed heart shaped large leaves with veins radiating from the base of the leaf. Bauhinia purpurea flowers in early September to December, Bauhinia blakeana from November to March, Bauhinia variegata from February to May.They also have different colors, Bauhinia purpurea pinkish purple to white, Bauhinia blakeana deep magenta, Bauhinia variegata pale pink to white, Bauhinia variegata var candida white.