Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

1 rating

Monday - November 22, 2010

From: Gilbert, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Seed and Plant Sources
Title: Source for Anacacho Orchid Seeds
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson

QUESTION:

Is there any place in TX that I can ask to send me Anacacho Orchid seeds that I can germinate?

ANSWER:

I see your question! - The Bauhinia lunarioides (Anacacho orchid tree) is a lovely tree that is often found in Arizona and can be grown quite successfully. Looking through the list of Native plant suppliers in Texas and in Arizona - I found three that offered the Anacacho Orchid - Arid Solutions in Phoenix, Natives of Texas in Kerrville TX and Madrone Nursery in San Marcos, TX. However, all of these appear to offer plants in pots rather than seeds.

Sweet Briar Nursery & Gardens in Belton TX showed up when I looked specifically for seeds, and lots of web postings from enthusiasts in Native Plant groups. Have you considered approaching your local native plant society groups? I know the folks around here will be pleased as punch to offer seeds to a new person coming to their meetings!

The Arizona Native Plant Society seems to have an active website and the Desert-tropicals website mentions a Society local to Gilbert. You might want to contact them.

Bauhinia lunarioides