Yellow orchid tree (Bauhinia tomentosa)

Bauhinia tomentosa, the yellow orchid tree or yellow bell bauhinia, is a shrub with leaves shaped like a camel’s hoof and pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers that hang downward, each with a dark maroon blotch at the base. It grows wild in India and Sri Lanka and is a popular garden shrub.

Botanical name: Bauhinia tomentosa L.
Family: Fabaceae
Tamil: Kanchini
Hindi: Kachnar peela
Parts used: Flowers (garden)
Habit: Yellow bell Bauhinia; kachnar is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Yellow orchid tree

It is a large shrub or small tree with leaves split at the tip into two rounded lobes, like a camel’s footprint, a trait shared by all bauhinias.

Flowers are bell-shaped and hang singly or in pairs, pale lemon-yellow with a dark reddish-brown spot at the base of one petal. They darken as they age.

The pods are flat, narrow and velvety, which is what tomentosa refers to.

Kachnar, Bauhinia variegata, is a tree with pink, purple or white open flowers. Bauhinia racemosa has small creamy flowers in sprays.

Traditional use of Yellow orchid tree

Gardening

It is grown as an ornamental shrub and hedge, and the flowers are offered in worship.

Indian garden practice

Siddha and folk practice

Bark and leaves appear in southern materia medica, mostly for external use. These uses have not been tested in trials.

South Indian materia medica

Modern notes on Yellow orchid tree

Laboratory studies of extracts report various activities. There is no clinical evidence.

Gardeners value it because it tolerates drought and flowers for long periods.

Yellow orchid tree safety

Grow it for its flowers. There is no established food use.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to India, Sri Lanka and tropical Africa, growing in dry scrub and forest edges.

Its nectar attracts sunbirds and butterflies.

Its seeds germinate readily, so it is easy to raise for native-plant gardens.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Yellow orchid tree

Is Yellow orchid tree kachnar?

No. Kachnar is Bauhinia variegata, a tree with pink or white flowers.

Why camel-foot leaves?

The leaves split into two lobes, like a camel’s hoof print.

Is Yellow orchid tree native?

Yes, to India and Sri Lanka, as well as Africa.

When does Yellow orchid tree flower?

Through much of the year, most heavily after the monsoon.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.