Bauhinia purpuria L.

Bauhinia purpuria L.

Know our Plant

Systematic Classification:

Division   : Angiospermae 
Class      : Dicotyledons
Subclass   : Polypetalae
Series     : Calyciflora
Order      : Fabales
Family     : Fabaceae 
Genus      : Bauhinia 
Species    : purpuria

Common Name:

Purple Orchid Tree, Butterfly tree, Pink butterfly tree, Purple bauhinia, Purple butterfly tree.

General Information:

Bauhinia purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar, and widely introduced elsewhere in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.Common names include orchid tree, purple bauhinia, camel’s foot, butterfly tree,and Hawaiian orchid tree. Bauhinia purpurea is a small to medium-size deciduous tree growing to 17 feet (5.2 m) tall. The leaves are 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are conspicuous, pink, and fragrant, with five petals. The fruit is a pod 30 centimetres (12 in) long, containing 12 to 16 seeds. Leaves are alternate.

Economic Importance:

  • The young leaves and flowers of Bauhinia purpurea are edible.
  • The leaves have a citrusy and sour taste and are used as a souring agent for sinigang and similar dishes in Philippine cuisine.
  • Various parts of the plant are also used in decoctions to treat fever and stomach ailments, as well as being used as an astringent.
  • In Indian traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat coughs while the bark is used for glandular diseases and as an antidote for poisons.
  • The flowers are also used in pickles and curries and is regarded as a laxative.