The Snake Climber (Bauhinia scandens) is a perennial, woody plant, related to the Orchid Tree (Bauhinia variegata), but instead of being tree-like, it climbs supports using specialized tendrils. The scientific name of the snake climber, Bauhinia scandens, has interesting origins. The genus Bauhinia was dedicated to the 16th-century Swiss botanists, Jean and Gaspard Bauhin. The specific epithet scandens derives from Latin, meaning “climbing” or “ascending,” referencing the plant’s ability to grow vertically with the aid of tendrils.
Its branches are arched, flexible, thin, and branched, with initially reddish shoots, and small, bilobed, rounded leaves, resembling butterflies. In spring and autumn, it produces beautiful racemes of delicate, pentamerous, pink flowers with fringed petals and red stamens, and a distinctive chocolate scent. After flowering, legume-type fruits (pods) appear, flattened, reddish, with oblong seeds.
There is confusion over this plant’s scientific name, making it difficult to classify. Various international sources consider it as Bauhinia corymbosa, while in Brazil and Mexico, Bauhinia scandens is more commonly used.
The snake climber is an excellent choice for landscaping projects seeking to beautify structures with greenery. Its initial growth may be slow, but as it establishes, it becomes a vigorous climber. Versatile in use, it can cover various supports, such as fences, trellises, arbors, poles, and pergolas, adding charm to gardens. It is also suitable for crowning walls, arches, and porticos, softening straight lines and enhancing borders.
One of the most notable features of the snake climber is its spectacular flowering and unmistakable chocolate scent. These flowers not only delight the eyes but also attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a valuable choice for promoting garden biodiversity. In terms of maintenance, the snake climber is relatively easy to care for. Main tasks include training for growth direction and periodic pruning to control size.
It should be grown in full sun or partial shade, in fertile, deep, well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, and watered regularly in the first year of planting. It tolerates light frosts and short drought periods and can be planted in coastal regions. Fertilize in the planting bed and then every six months with granulated NPK 10.10.10 fertilizers. It propagates through seeds and cuttings.
