Bauhinia variegata
| Bauhinia variegata | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 39' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Bauhinia variegata (common name: mountain ebony)
Propagation: Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water then sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. When large enough t handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in early summer, after the last expected frosts and consider giving some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, with the leaves removed, in moist sand July/August in a frame[1]. Gentle bottom heat is usually required.
Layering.
Cultivation: Prefers a fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, requiring a warm sheltered position in full sun[1][2].
When grown in warm Temperate zones, this species can withstand short periods of temperatures as low as -5°c[1]. In Britain, it is only likely to succeed outdoors in the very mildest parts of the country, and even then would probably require the protection of a south-facing wall.
There are some cultivars, developed for their ornamental value[1].
243034
Range: E. Asia - Pakistan to S. China.
Habitat: Open valleys with good loamy soil at elevations of 150 - 1800 metres[3].
Edibility: The young leaves, flowers and fruits are boiled and eaten as a vegetable, or are pickled[3].
Medicinal: The bark is alterative, anthelmintic, astringent and tonic[4][3]. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea and other stomach disrders[3]. A paste of the bark is useful in the treatment of cuts and wounds, skin diseases, scrofula and ulcers[4][3].
The dried buds are used in the treatment of piles, dysentery, diarrhoea and worms[4].
The juice of the flowers is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and other stomach disorders[3].
The root is used as an antidote to snake poison[4]. A decoction of the root is used to treat dyspepsia[4].
Usage: The bark is a source of tannins. It is used for dyeing[3].
Wood - used for house construction and making household implements[3].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Manandhar, Narayan. Plants and People of Nepal. Timber Press, 2002.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Manandhar, N. Medicinal Plants of Nepal Himalaya. Department of Medicinal Plants, 1993.