Bauhinia Malabarica

Description

Bauhinia Malabarica, commonly known as the Malabar Bauhinia or Nandidurga, is a flowering tree native to India. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known for its ornamental value, medicinal properties, and ecological significance. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a wide canopy that can spread up to 10 meters. It produces showy flowers that range from pink to purple and bloom from March to May.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The leaves of the Bauhinia Malabarica are unique in shape and are often compared to butterfly wings. They are bilobed, meaning they are divided into two lobes that resemble a heart shape. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and they can grow up to 15 centimeters long and 10 centimeters wide. The tree’s flowers are five-petaled and fragrant, with a diameter of up to 10 centimeters. The flowers bloom in clusters and are usually pink or purple, although some varieties can be white. The tree’s fruit is a pod-like structure that can grow up to 12 centimeters long and 1.5 centimeters wide. The pods contain several seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Care Guide

The Bauhinia Malabarica is a hardy tree that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, to ensure optimal growth and health, it is recommended to follow these care guidelines:

• Water: Water the tree regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the tree with a balanced fertilizer every six months, starting from the beginning of the growing season.
• Soil: The tree can grow in a wide range of soils, but it prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The tree thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The Bauhinia Malabarica is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.

Common Pests & Diseases

While the Bauhinia Malabarica is generally a healthy tree, it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. The most common pests that affect the tree are scales, mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or oil. The most common diseases that affect the tree are leaf spot and root rot. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering. If the tree is infected, fungicides can be used to control the spread of the disease.

Habitat

The Bauhinia Malabarica is native to India and is commonly found in the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. It grows in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and scrublands. The tree is an important component of the ecosystem as it provides food and shelter for many species of birds and insects.

Question and Answer

• Q: Is the Bauhinia Malabarica a fast-growing tree?
• A: The Bauhinia Malabarica is a moderate to fast-growing tree, depending on the growing conditions.
• Q: Can the Bauhinia Malabarica be grown in containers?
• A: While it is possible to grow the Bauhinia Malabarica in containers, it is not recommended as the tree can grow quite large.
• Q: Is the Bauhinia Malabarica a deciduous or evergreen tree?
• A: The Bauhinia Malabarica is a deciduous tree, meaning it sheds its leaves annually.
• Q: Can the Bauhinia Malabarica be propagated by cuttings?
• A: Yes, the Bauhinia Malabarica can be propagated by hardwood cuttings taken in the winter.

Related Plants

• Bauhinia Acuminata
• Bauhinia Blakeana
• Bauhinia Galpinii
• Bauhinia Purpurea

References

• “Bauhinia Malabarica.” Floriculture Today. https://www.floriculturetoday.in/flowers-plants/bauhinia-malabarica/
• “Bauhinia Malabarica.” Useful Tropical Plants. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Bauhinia+malabarica
• “Bauhinia Malabarica.” Plants of the World Online. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:488993-1