Malabar mountain Ebony
Piliostigma malabaricum var. acidum

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-8 m high and spreads 2-4 m wide. The bark is grey to brown. It loses its leaves in the dry season. The leaves are 4-10 cm long by 6-12 cm wide. The leaves are alternate and heart shaped at the base. They are deeply notched and usually wider than long. They are dark green above and greyish underneath. The flowers are white and rather large. They are 3-4 cm across. The pods are long, narrow and flattened. They are 10-30 cm long by 1-1.2 cm wide. They are dark brown and flattened. The seeds are 0.5 cm long.

There are about 6 Piliostigma species. They grow in the tropics. Also as Caesalpinaceae. Piliostigma malabaricum var. acidum is probably now Bauhinia while Piliostigma malabaricum is an accepted name.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in the tropics in places with a seasonally dry period. It needs well drained soil and a sunny position. They are common in open places and second growth forests in the Philippines.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Thailand, West Africa

How it is used for food

The young leaves are used to flavour meat and fish dishes.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed need treatment to soften them before growing.

Its other names

Local names

Alibangbang, Amli, Koinarpoinar

Synonyms

Bauhinia malabarica Roxb.;