Bauhinia tomentosa L.
| Kannada Name : | Kaadu mandaara, Vana Sampige |
| Common Name : | Yellow bell orchid |
| Family Name : | Fabaceae |
| Scientific Name : | Bauhinia tomentosa |
| Species Type : | Indigenous |
| Phenology : | Evergreen |
| Conservation Status : | Not known |
| Flowering Period : | December - March |
| Fruiting Period : | January - June |
| Origin : | Tropical Africa, India, Sri Lanka |
Uses
The root bark is used internally for conditions of the large intestine, while the flower is used as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhoea. A decoction of the root bark is used in India as a vermifuge and an infusion of the stem bark as an astringent gargle. The fruit is said to be diuretic, and the seed is eaten in India as a tonic and aphrodisiac.
Description
Shrub or a small tree, evergreen but can be deciduous in harsh climates, up to 8 m tall. Young branches glabrous to pubescent. Leaves simple, sub-orbicular, bilobed, papery, tomentose on lower surface, glabrous above, base cordate, lobes rounded at apex. Inflorescence a terminal or lateral raceme. Flowers yellow, petals 5. Fruit a dehiscent pod, occasionally tomentose, 8-12 seeded. Seeds blackish-brown.
