Macro: Chinese Orchid Tree Flower Bud

The Chinese Orchid Tree is very drought hardy, which makes it an ideal plant for dry San Diego.
Also known by Bauhinia blakeana, it was adopted as the floral emblem of Hong Kong by the Urban Council in 1965.
Since 1997 the flower appears on Hong Kong's coat of arm, its flag and its coins.
A statue of the plant has been erected in Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong.
Although the flowers are bright pinkish purple in colour, they are depicted in white on the Flag of Hong Kong.