Recent research into plants formerly included in Bauhinia (see Wunderlin, R.P. 2010. Reorganization of the Cercideae (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). Phytoneuron 2010-48: 1-5.) has reorganized the species of Bauhinia into 9 genera. Although not universally accepted as yet (2011), we are following this new treatment because it has been taken up by several authorities including GRIN, Flora of North America[] and African Flowering Plants[].

Common Name: Mountain ebony

General Information

Piliostigma malabaricum is a fairly fast-growing evergreen or nearly evergreen tree growing up to 4 - 17 metres tall with a short often gnarled bole[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its timber, fibre and medicinal uses. It is grown as a hedge and used in soil reclamation schemes. The attractive flowers, showy pods and leaves make it suitable for ornamental purposes and it is often planted for shade in parks and gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - India, Myanmar through Indo-China to Australia.

Habitat

Scattered in grasslands that are subject to fire, but periodically found in very dry localities[]. Often associated with teak and bambuduri forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Mountain ebony is found at altitudes from sea level up to 600 metres, usually in reasonably moist areas of the tropics[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 - 3,000 mm[].
Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil and a position in full sun[]. Established plants are drought resistant[].
A fire-resistant species, resprouting freely from the base of the trunk if the top of the plant is burnt[].
The flowers are a source of pollen and nectar for insect pollinators[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required[].
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 young leaves have a sour flavour[]. They are used as a lime-flavoured condiment for soups etc[, ]. They can be eaten raw as a side dish with rice[]. They are cooked in a soup to give a good smell and flavour[].
Young shoots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[].

Medicinal

The pounded bark is used as a poultice[].

The leaves are used as a febrifuge[].

The flower infusion is used as an anti-dysenteric[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is used in fire breaks and for the reforestation of drylands[]. The bacteria present on its roots fix atmospheric nitrogen and this, coupled with the decomposing fallen leaves, help to revitalise soil nutrient levels[]. As a hedgerow plant, it contributes to soil stabilization and conservation.
Used as a hedge plant in the Philippines[].

Other Uses

Other members of this genus yield valuable dyes and tanning material, therefore prospects with this species are worth investigation[].

The seeds contain higher amounts of crude lipids than most of the domesticated pulses. The unsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid and linoleic acid, are predominant in seed lipids[].

The bark fibre is used to make rope[].

The pale red heartwood is not clearly differentiated from the sapwood[]. The wood is moderately hard and fairly straight-grained[]. It seasons well, works moderately easily but is only durable for interior work. The wood provides temporary construction material in rural areas. The wooden heels of certain types of women’s slippers are obtained from this plant[].
The wood is suitable material for charcoal and fuel wood, the energy value of the wood is about 18 100 kJ/kg[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak in hot water for 2 - 3 minutes and then soak it in cold water for 24 hours before sowing. The seed can be sown in situ, but, especially when growing small quantities, sowing in containers in a nursery is more appropriate. The seed should be sown no deeper than 1 cm and in full sunlight to allow for optimal germination. Germination takes 55 - 123 days[]. The germination rate for seeds stored for 2 weeks is about 45%, but this drops to about 25% in 3 months of storage[].
Seedlings are fast growing, average height and diameter after one month of growth can reach 33 cm and 0.5 cm, whilst 4 month old plants 76 cm tall with a stem diameter of 1.1 cm have been recorded[].
Cuttings.

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