Mountain-ebony (Bauhinia variegata, Sp. pl. 1:375. 1753)

Family: Fabaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:375. 1753

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bauhinia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Indian Subcontinent to China (S. Yunnan)

Description

Mountain-ebony, scientifically referred to as Bauhinia variegata, is a captivating tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. This strikingly beautiful tree is native to a wide range of regions stretching from the Indian Subcontinent to South Yunnan in China. Historically, this species was first documented in 1753 in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus, who is referenced with the abbreviation ‘L.’ as the author of the species.

Recognized for its ornamental charm, Mountain-ebony boasts an array of vibrant, variegated blooms that predominantly appear in shades of pink, purple, and white. These flowers, typically blossoming in early spring, create a breathtaking display that transforms the landscape with their exquisite beauty. Each bloom has a unique shape, reminiscent of an orchid, which adds an elegant touch to any garden or natural setting.

Apart from its visual appeal, Bauhinia variegata holds cultural and practical significance in various regions. In traditional medicine across its native range, different parts of the tree have been utilized for their therapeutic properties. The bark, leaves, and flowers are often used in Ayurvedic remedies to treat ailments such as digestive disorders and skin diseases.

Ecologically, Mountain-ebony plays a role in supporting local wildlife. Its flowers attract a plethora of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are crucial for maintaining the biodiversity of the region. As such, it serves not only as an ornamental plant but also as an integral component of its ecosystem.

Mountain-ebony’s adaptability to different environments makes it a favored choice for urban landscaping as well. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires moderate watering, making it relatively low-maintenance once established. Its graceful canopy provides ample shade, making it a practical addition to parks and gardens.

In summary, Bauhinia variegata, or Mountain-ebony, is a versatile and stunning tree that enriches both the natural environment and human spaces with its beauty and utility. Its presence from the Indian Subcontinent to South Yunnan highlights its adaptability and cultural importance across various regions.

With its aesthetically pleasing blooms and ecological benefits, Mountain-ebony continues to be a cherished species within the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: mountain ebony, mountain-ebony, orchidtree
Fra: arbre de saint-thomas
Deu: buntfarbene bauhinie
Afr: orgideëboom
Swe: orkidébauhinia
Por: árvore-de-são-thomaz
En: Mountain-ebony, Orchidtree, Mountain ebony, Orchid Tree, Butterfly tree, Pink bauhinia, Pink camel’s-foot, Poor Man’s Orchid, Sabot Boeuf, Camel’s foot, Purple orchid tree
Af: Orgideëboom, Kameelpoot
As: বগা কাঞ্চন
Bn: রক্তকাঞ্চন
My: ဘွဲ့ချဉ်ပင်
Zh: 宫粉羊蹄甲, 白花羊紫荊
Cs: Bauhínie pestrá, Bauhinie
Fi: Kirjobauhinia
Fr: Arbre de Saint-Thomas, Arbre à Orchidées, Bois de Boeuf
De: Buntfarbene Bauhinie, Bunte Bauhinie
He: בוהיניה מגוונת
Hi: कचनार
Hu: Közönséges orchideafa
Ml: കോവിദാരം
Mr: कांचन
Ne: कोइरालो
Or: କାଞ୍ଚନ
Pa: ਕਚਨਾਰ
Pt: Árvore-de-São-Thomaz, Casco-de-vaca-lilás, Pata-de-vaca
Sa: मन्दारः
Sv: Orkidébauhinia
Zh-tw: 白花洋紫荊
Ta: மலையாத்தி
Th: เสี้ยวดอกขาว
Zh-hant: 宮粉羊蹄甲
Ur: کچنار
Vi: Ban trắng

Synonyms

• Phanera variegata ((L.) Benth.)
• Perlebia variegata ((L.) A.Schmitz)
• Bauhinia variegata var. purpurascens (Voigt)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Laos (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Ghana (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Mexico Central (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sierra Leone (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 14, 2019 by Kanta Raj Kanta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2018 by lina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2020 by meg4ron (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2017 by Vinicius Ferreira (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 26, 2020 by Yann Fichet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2018 by Max Mazariegos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2017 by Dean Shelly (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2018 by Martin Teodori (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2017 by Jaqueline Jack (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 19, 2020 by Oni Taffe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2021 by Oliveira Evandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 8, 2021 by Amezquita Rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Rüzgarınbahçesi 0509 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Nyunyshkin (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 13, 2019 by marc Villevieille (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Guy CESAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Pauli Jürgen Paulus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2019 by Gérard Palluau (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Hem B (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Nyunyshkin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Margaret Wetzler (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2016 by Costas Kouremenos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 5, 2016 by Ooi Boon Kheng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 9, 2016 by Rachana Patel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2953251)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:481756-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bauhinia variegata L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth