Anacacho Orchid Tree

Although increasingly available from specialty nurseries, the Anacacho orchid tree is rare in Texas. It grows only in the Anacacho Mountains west of Uvalde and one other small site, but 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.

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