Common Name:

General Information

Bauhinia vahlii is a vigorous climbing shrub able to grow into the tops of the trees in the forest. The woody stems can be 10 - 30 metres long and up to 20cm in diameter[]. The plant supports itself by means of tendrils[].
It is said that this plant is put to more uses in India than almost any other forest plant excluding the bamboo[]. It is harvested from the wild as a local source of food, medicines, fibre and tannins and other materials. It is sometimes cultivated for the fruits[], and is also grown as an ornamental plant[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Pakistan.

Habitat

Climax monsoon-deciduous forests at elevations up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a fertile, well-drained but moisture-retentive soil[].
The plant grows back quickly from the base when it is cut down, and has been known to produce new growth of 15 metres within 12 months[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten raw or fried[, , ]. Cooked as a pulse[].

Medicinal

The seeds are tonic and aphrodisiac[].

The leaves are demulcent and mucilaginous[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is considered to be a formidable enemy of trees in India, where it has been known to completely smother the tree into which it has grown for support[].
It is of use on rocky or disturbed and bare slopes, where its can quickly clothe the ground and its large leaves protect the soil from erosion[].

Other Uses

A good quality fibre is obtained from the inner bark. It can be made into very strong ropes[, , ]. It is used for sewing straw mats with the fresh bark[]. It can be cut in all seasons; the outer bark is stripped off and thrown away, the inner coating being used for ropes, as wanted, by being previously soaked in water and twisted when wet[]. Before being used, the bark is boiled and beaten with mallets, which renders it soft and pliable for being made into ropes and string for charpoys[].

The stems are used for matting, basketry and wickerwork[].
The leaves are utilized for thatching and making umbrellas[].
The large flat leaves are sewn together and used as plates, cups, rough tablecloths, umbrellas, cloaks, and rain capes[].

A gum exudes copiously from the tree[]. Of little value[].

The bark contains up to 17% tannins[, ]. The tannin cannot be extracted easily, but is of very good quality[].

Propagation

Seed -

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