Herb: Mountain Ebony


Latin name: Bauhinia variegata


Family: Leguminosae



Medicinal use of Mountain Ebony:

The bark is alterative, anthelmintic, astringent and tonic. The juice of the bark is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhoea and other stomach disrders. A paste of the bark is useful in the treatment of cuts and wounds, skin diseases, scrofula and ulcers. The dried buds are used in the treatment of piles, dysentery, diarrhoea and worms. The juice of the flowers is used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and other stomach disorders. The root is used as an antidote to snake poison. A decoction of the root is used to treat dyspepsia.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Tree

Height:
12 m
(39 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Open valleys with good loamy soil at elevations of 150 - 1800 metres.

Edible parts of Mountain Ebony:

The young leaves, flowers and fruits are boiled and eaten as a vegetable, or are pickled.

Other uses of the herb:

The bark is a source of tannins. It is used for dyeing. Wood - used for house construction and making household implements.

Propagation of Mountain Ebony:

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water then sow in mid spring in a greenhouse. When large enough t handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in early summer, after the last expected frosts and consider giving some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, with the leaves removed, in moist sand July/August in a frame. Gentle bottom heat is usually required. Layering.

Cultivation of the herb:

Open valleys with good loamy soil at elevations of 150 - 1800 metres.

Known hazards of Bauhinia variegata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.