Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

Caesalpiniaceae
Bauhinia variegata L.
English name: Orchid tree, Mountain-ebony.
Local name: Kachnar.
Description:
A medium sized deciduous tree about 10-12 m high. The bark is nearly smooth and
dark brown bearing bright pink or white flowers. Leaves petiolate. It is a very popular
ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates.
Flowering Period:
February-April.
Habitat:
Mostly found in orchards and gardens.
Uses:
The leaves are given to cattle as fodder. Bark is
alterative anthelmintic tonic, astringent, useful in skin
diseases and ulcers. Buds cooked as vegetable. Wood is
used in building and for agricultural implements. Root is an
antidote to snake bite. The tree yields gum, bark is used
for tanning and dyeing.
Distribution:
Pakistan, India, Kashmir, Nepal, Burma and China.
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