Common Name:

General Information

Bauhinia purpurea is an erect, evergreen shrub or tree with a very bushy crown; it can grow 7 - 10 metres tall[, , ].
The tree has a wide range of local uses, providing food, medicines and a range of commodities. It should also make an excellent pioneer species and is commonly cultivated as an ornamental through much of the tropics, being valued especially for its handsome flowers[, ].
The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand.

Habitat

Common in the mixed and sal forests of the sub-Himalayan tract, ascending to 1,200 metres. It is characteristic of mixed deciduous forests, often of a dry type, occurring on hill slopes, in valleys, and along streams[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical to tropical regions where it can usually be found at elevations from 500 - 2,000 metres, exceptionally to 3,000 metres. The mean annual temperature in its natural habitat ranges from 12 - 21°c; it experiences an absolute maximum shade temperature of 38 - 46°c and an absolute minimum of -1 - +9°c[]. Severe frost kills the leaves of seedlings and saplings, but they can recover during the growing season[]. It grows in areas with a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 5,000mm[, ].
Grows best in a sunny position[, ]. Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained, sandy, loamy or gravelly soil[, ]. The tree actually flowers best when growing on drier soils[].
The plant is commonly cultivated in the tropics, where it sometimes escapes from cultivation. There are reports that it can become established in some areas and has been reported as 'invasive' in some Pacific Islands[].
The growth of young plants is very rapid under favourable conditions. They have been known to attain heights of 3 metres within 12 months and to be almost 5 metres tall and flowering by the end of their second year[].
The pods develop quickly, some attaining a good length whilst the tree is still in flower[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ].

Flower buds and flowers - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ]. The flower buds are often pickled or used in curries[, ].

Young seedpods - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[].

Medicinal

The root is carminative[].

The flowers are laxative[].

The bark, roots and flowers, when mixed with rice-water, are used in poultice form as a maturant[].

Agroforestry Uses:

This tree should make an excellent pioneer with its ease of establishment, rapid growth and hardiness. Some thought should be given, however, to the possibility of it escaping from cultivation[].

Other Uses

The plant yields a gum[].

The bark is a source of tannins[]. It is also used for dyeing[].

A fibre is obtained from the bark[, ].

The wood is rosy-white in colour, turning brown upon exposure to the atmosphere. Fine and closely grained, it is hard and durable[]. It is used for carpentry and joinery when large enough; otherwise it is used for agricultural implements[, , ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it germinates readily, with up to 100% germinating after 14 months storage[]. Sow in a nursery seedbed in light shade. Germination is very rapid, with seedlings appearing within 4 - 10 days[]. Seedlings grow rapidly and, under good conditions, can be more than 1 metre tall within 2 months of germinating[]. The seedlings are somewhat difficult to transplant and so are best moved to their permanent positions whilst still small. If larger plants are moved then they should be pruned back to allow easier establishment[].
Layering
Cuttings of half-ripe wood.

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