White orchid tree
Bauhinia variegata var. candida

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree that loses its leaves. It grows 7-13 m tall and spreads 7-8 m wide. The trunks are slender and branches arch over. The leaves are alternate and compound. They have 2 lobes. The flowers have white petals. The flowers are 12 cm wide. The flowers have a sweet scent. The fruit is a 30 cm long pod. It is slender, brown and flat.

Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in Yunnan and southern China. In Argentina it grows between 1,000-2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, China (country/location of origin), East Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Mozambique, Pacific, SE Asia, South America

How it is used for food

The flowers and leaves are eaten cooked and fresh as a vegetable.

Flowers are sold in markets.

Edible parts

Flowers, leaves

How it is grown

It is fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Dubie, Jiebuo, Kaloki, Kanchan, Kovidara, Luo ke xiu, Maixiu, Mandarai, Pohon kupu-kupu putih, Qie ti er, White mountain ebony, Yang bian fang

Synonyms

Bauhinia alba Wall.; Bauhinia candida Aiton; Bauhinia candida Roxb.; Bauhinia variegata var. alboflava de Wit; Bauhinia variegata var. candida (Aiton) Buch.-Ham.;