Mountain Ebony

Bauhinia variegata

Physical Characteristics

Bauhinia variegata is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Pakistan to S. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: The young leaves, flowers and fruits are boiled and eaten as a vegetable, or are pickled[272].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anthelmintic Astringent Dysentery Tonic The bark is alterative, anthelmintic, astringent and tonic[243, 272]. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea and other stomach disrders[272]. A paste of the bark is useful in the treatment of cuts and wounds, skin diseases, scrofula and ulcers[243, 272]. The dried buds are used in the treatment of piles, dysentery, diarrhoea and worms[243]. The juice of the flowers is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and other stomach disorders[272]. The root is used as an antidote to snake poison[243]. A decoction of the root is used to treat dyspepsia[243].

Known Hazards

None known