Hong Kong orchid tree.

https://www.south-florida-plant-guide.com/hong-kong-orchid-tree.html

My neighbor (coastal central Florida, Brevard) has one next to the fence, every year I am pulling up seedlings on my side.

Orchid trees are very common here in St. Petersburg, Fl. The Hong Kong orchid tree has a larger flower then the rest it seems. I don't understand why they're called orchid trees though lol. They look like giant azaleas to me. Nothing like any orchids I've ever seen.

Cattleya orchids for instance have a similar general aspect due primarily to the structure of the petals. It's superficial, of course, with these having completely different centers from the orchids.

I just don't see it. First time I noticed the trees, I swore they were some kind of Azalea on steroids xD

I'd agree with Embothrium. You have to remember that where they originate they don't have Azaleas which are more of a cold climate plant. I previously had the purpurea but they seeded like crazy and I eventually cut them out. Now I've only got the x blakeana.

Medinilla magnifica is another one which is sometimes called Malaysian Orchid yet it looks less like an orchid than this Bauhinia. There's no accounting for common names.

I'm simply saying that I don't see the resemblance. That's all. Perhaps you guys think they look like orchids. That's okay. Orchid tree is the English language common name. These trees have different names in their native countries and throughout the tropics and in different languages and countries. I read in Hong Kong they're often refered to as clever leaf, in India as mountain ebony, in other places as camels foot tree (because of the shape of the leaf).

I imagine the "orchid" appellation is because of the color, not so much the flower form.

Yet another good reason to use botanical names, not just common ones, eh?