Bauhinia tomentosa.

Bauhinia tomentosa.

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Angiosperms
  • Class: Eudicots
  • Order: Fabales
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Genus: Bauhinia
  • Species: Bauhinia tomentosa

Synonyms:

  • Alvesia bauhinioides Welw.
  • Alvesia tomentosa (L.) Britton & Rose
  • Bauhinia pubescens DC.
  • Bauhinia volkensii Taub.
  • Bauhinia wituensis Harms
  • Pauletia tomentosa (L.) A.Schmitz

Species ID: NMP-211;wfo-0000166252;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 204518

Local Names: YORUBA abafe-pupa (JRA) abafi (Ross)

Description: Bauhinia tomentosa is a medium to large shrub or small tree, typically reaching up to 4 meters in height. It features light green, two-lobed leaves with a leathery texture, carried on branches that are often drooping. The plant produces large, bell-shaped, bright yellow flowers with a black to deep maroon colored center in mid to late summer. The fruits are pea-like pods, slender and velvety, light green turning pale brown with age, and are produced from January to June.

Distribution and Habitat: Bauhinia tomentosa is native to Africa, ranging from Ethiopia and Kenya south to South Africa, and westwards to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. It is also found in Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. The plant thrives in woodland, riverine bush, and coastal dune bush, often forming part of riverine thickets and forest edges.

Medicinal Properties: Various parts of Bauhinia tomentosa are used in traditional medicine:

  • Root Bark: Used internally to treat conditions of the large intestine and externally for inflamed glands, abscesses, and skin conditions.
  • Stem Bark: Acts as an astringent and is used as a gargle for mouth ailments.
  • Flowers: Employed as a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea.
  • Fruit: Considered diuretic and used in traditional remedies.
  • Seeds: Consumed as a tonic and aphrodisiac; a paste made with vinegar is applied to wounds from venomous animals.
  • Leaves: Included in plasters applied to abscesses.

Known Toxicity: There is limited information on the toxicity of Bauhinia tomentosa. However, as with many medicinal plants, caution is advised, and it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before use.

Additional Information: Bauhinia tomentosa is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly its bright yellow flowers. It is often used in landscaping and as a hedge. The plant is fast-growing and can tolerate a moderate amount of frost. It prefers full sun and needs a moderate amount of water. Propagation is typically from seed, and it is suitable for rockeries, shrubberies, and large containers.

References:

  • Kew Science. (2024). Bauhinia tomentosa. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from
  • https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A30193-2
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute. (2024). Bauhinia tomentosa. PlantZAfrica. Retrieved from https://pza.sanbi.org/bauhinia-tomentosa

External links

  • https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30193-2
Compounds of Bauhinia tomentosa.
References

Aderogba, M. A., McGaw, L. J., Ogundaini, A. O., & Eloff, J. N. (2008). Cytotoxicity study of antioxidant flavonoids from Bauhinia tomentosa leaf extract. Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine, 12, 50-54.