There is no debate that Pakistan is the house for a variety of plant species that have both ornamental and medicinal importance. Residents of sub-mountainous areas including Islamabad are familiar with Kachnar tree that looms to its full glory in spring season, which adds to the beauty of the area.
Kachnar is a flower-bearing plant which belongs to a family of legume named “Fabaceae”. Kachnar in English is also known as an “Orchid tree” and “Mountain Ebony”. So, Kachnar in English is called a pink orchid tree or purple orchid tree due to its pink and purple flowers. The butterfly-shaped leaves make them more unique and attractive from the rest of the flowering trees. Its botanical name is “Bauhinia Variegata”. In French, it is known as Bois de Boeuf, which means “Beef Wood”. Its leaves, seeds, flowers, buds, bark, stem, roots, seedpod have also been used for the treatment of several diseases since ancient times. This beautiful flowering plant species are native to China, India, Australia, and the Philippines. The name Bauhinia was given to it by a Swedish botanist, Linnaeus in the honor of Bauhin brothers Johann and Gaspard. These two brothers were also botanists from the 16th and 17th centuries. Bauhinia Variegeta and Bauhinia Purpurea are native to Pakistan and grow in abundance in the subtropical mountainous zone. Islamabad still has Kachnar trees growing in parks soothing the eyes with their appealing pink, purple and white hues, spreading fragrance all around.
Edibility of Kachnar
Kachnar tree is suitable for both the sub-tropical and tropical climates. You will see Kachnar usage in many countries like India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Moreover, this beautiful ornamental tree attracts hummingbirds as well. Sapphire-spangled emerald can also be seen on these trees in the garden and parks. In Sub-continent, Kachnar is also known as an edible bud which they collect from the tree to make curry. Kachnar buds are used in many recipes with meat. It is also used to make spicy pickle.
Medicinal importance
Like said before, the orchid tree has its importance in the field of medicine. It is also used to cure many skin diseases like leprosy. The bark of this tree is used in making tonics, bark is used in curing dysentery. On the other hand, buds of Kachnar plant are used to treat diarrhea. The flower buds’ infusion has proved good to treat severe coughs.
Environmental impacts
This tree holds a great environmental importance. It can tolerate a variety of habitats and soils like gravel, rocky, sandy loam and loamy soils and well-drained soil. They can ideally grow in acidic and in a medium-textured loamy soil. It is not a surprise that this eye-catching flower-bearing orchid tree survives drought and severe summer heat. It is also resistant to the water-logging that occurs seasonally.
Not only in subcontinent, Kachnar is found throughout the world. These fast-growing Kachnar trees in are seen in many parts of Florida. They can invade into thick forests and along the roadsides. Their tendency of invasion makes them grow in natural areas. In Australia, Bauhinia variegate is also considered as an environmental weed because it grows fast. Therefore, Kachnar leaves and flowers have displaced native vegetation due to its invasive nature. Hence, the reason behind these environmental aspects of Orchid trees or Kachnar is that their seeds can stay feasible for a year or even more.
by: Abeer Arshad
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