Orchid Tree (Bauhinia purpurea)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Orchid tree, Bauhinia purpurea, is a tropical, evergreen small tree or shrub up to 4 - 10 m tall and 2 m across. It has an erect and slender stem, crooked branches, green leaves, and large, purple and orchid like flowers. It is native to South China and Southeast Asia. Orchid tree exhibits medicinal properties.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Flowers, Leaves, Seeds, Fruit, Gum. Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are used in curries. Flower buds and flowers - cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The flower buds are often pickled or used in curries. — Edible portion: Flowers, Leaves, Seeds, Fruit, Gum.; Leaves - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.; They are used in curries.; Flower buds and flowers - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Common in the mixed and sal forests of the sub-Himalayan tract, ascending to 1,200 metres. It is characteristic of mixed deciduous forests, often of a dry type, occurring on hill slopes, in valleys, and along streams. (Zone 9)