What is the floral emblem of Hong Kong?

The floral emblem of Hong Kong is the Hong Kong orchid tree.

Its scientific name is Bauhinia × blakeana, a hybrid tree with large, fragrant, orchid-like flowers. The plant is commonly called the Hong Kong orchid tree or Hong Kong bauhinia. Although it resembles an orchid, it belongs to the legume family and the Bauhinia genus, not the orchid family.

The hybrid originated in Hong Kong around 1880, and cultivated trees are believed to descend from a plant grown at the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens. It is usually sterile and does not readily produce seeds, which helps explain why the emblematic trees derive from propagated cultivated stock.

Since 1997, its stylized five-petaled flower has appeared on Hong Kong’s flag, coat of arms and coins. The flag depicts the flower in white, while living flowers are typically purplish red or pink. Bauhinia variegata is a different species, despite the similar name.