Indian bauhinia, Semla
Bauhinia semla

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. The bark is dark brown. The leaves are 8-15 cm long and slightly broader than long. The leaf stalk is thickened at both ends. The flowers have a stalk up to 2 cm long. The flowers are white. They are in sprays. The fruit is a pod 10-18 cm long by 3-4 cm wide. There are 6-8 flat seeds. They are dark brown.

There are about 250-350 Bauhinia species. Most are in the tropics. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan

How it is used for food

The buds and flowers are cooked, and pickled. Cut stems produce a gum used in sweetmeat manufacture. The tender leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Flowers, buds, gum

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Amati, Amthi

Synonyms

Bauhinia retusa Roxb.; Lasiobema retusa (Roxb.) de Wit; Phanera retusa (Roxb.) Benth.;