Systematic Classification:
Division : Angiospermae
Class : Dicotyledons
Order : Fabales
Family : Fabaceae
Genus : Bauhinia
Species : variegataCommon Name:
Ebony Tree, Mandaram, Kovidaram and Malayakatti
General Information:
Bauhinia variegata is a species of flowering plant in the legume family Fabaceae. It is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. It is a small to medium-sized tree growing to 10–12 metres (33–39 ft) tall, deciduous in the dry season. The leaves are 10–20 centimetres (3.9–7.9 in) obcordate shaped, long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex. The flowers are conspicuous, bright pink or white, 8–12 centimetres (3.1–4.7 in) diameter, with five petals. Pollens are elongated, approximately 75 microns in length.
The fruit is a seedpod 15–30 centimetres (5.9–11.8 in) long, containing several seeds. The seedpod dries completely on the tree, and when mature begins to twist into a helix or corkscrew shape, ultimately exploding open—with a very audible “clack”—to deliver its seeds into the environs.
Economic Importance:
- It shows a good antioxidant and anticancer activity.
- Traditional kachnar curry is prepared using kachnar buds, yogurt, onions and native spices. Kachnar buds are also eaten as a stir-fried vegetable and used to make pickle in many parts of the Indian sub-continent.