Malu Creeper, Camel's foot climber
Bauhinia vahlii

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or very large climber. The branches end in a pair of tendrils. The leaves vary in size but are as broad and they are long. They are divided for about one third of their length. They can be 8-25 cm long. The flowers are white and fading to yellow. The fruit is a woody pod. It is flat, rusty and velvety. Pods can be 20-30 cm long.

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

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 200-1500 m altitude. It needs well-drained soil. It suits a protected sunny position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It can grow in arid places. In Cairns Botanical Garden.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Central Africa, Congo, Europe, France, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, NW India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, USA

How it is used for food

The tender young pods and leaves are cooked as vegetables. They are stir-fried. The flower buds are eaten as a vegetable. The seeds are eaten raw, roasted, or dried and fried.

The roasted seeds are an important food for some people. They are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit, pods, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed need treatment before planting.

In southern India plants fruit December to March.

Its other names

Local names

Aavalvel, Adda, Bharlo, Bherla lahara, Bhorla, Bhorlo, Bhosai, Bir rurung nanri, Bwegyin, Chambul, Chamul, Dhondri, Jallaur, Jallur, Lamaklor, Lata-kanchan, Mahulan, Mahu-raen, Mahur, Mai-sio, Maljan, Maljhan, Malu, Malungarh, Mee, Moharain, Mohline bela, Mrak, Namarain, Paorimala, Pawur, Siadilata, Siali, Sialipatra, Sihar, Swedaw, Taur, Tiklopsyang-rik, Torre, Wut

Synonyms

Bauhinia racemosa Vahl.; Phanera vahlii (Wight & Arnott) Bentham;