Bauhinia variegata, kachnar, is a small deciduous tree whose orchid-like spring flowers, pink to purple or white with one darker petal, make it one of India’s favourite ornamental trees. In North India its flower buds are cooked as a vegetable and pickled. Kanchanara bark appears in classical Ayurvedic formulas.
- Botanical name
- Bauhinia variegata L.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Mantharai
- Hindi
- Kachnar
- Sanskrit
- Kāncanāra
- Parts used
- Flower buds
- Habit
- Spring orchid tree; mandarai is a shop word
- Last updated
- 2026-10-26
How to recognise Kachnar
It is a small to medium tree with two-lobed, camel-hoof-shaped leaves, divided about a third of the way down.
In spring, often when leafless, it bears large, fragrant flowers with five petals, usually pale pink to mauve with one petal more darkly marked, or white in the variety candida.
The pods are long, flat and woody, splitting to release several seeds.
Purple orchid tree, Bauhinia purpurea, flowers in autumn with narrower, darker petals. The Hong Kong orchid tree is a sterile hybrid of the two.
Traditional use of Kachnar
Kitchen
Kachnar buds are cooked as a dry sabzi, made into raita, or pickled in Punjab, Himachal and Uttar Pradesh.
North Indian food practice
Ayurveda
Kanchanara bark is the main ingredient of kanchanara guggulu, a classical formula.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Modern notes on Kachnar
Laboratory studies of bark and flower extracts exist. Clinical evidence for the traditional uses is limited.
It is widely planted as an ornamental for its spring bloom.
Kachnar safety
Eat the buds cooked, as in traditional recipes.
Ecology and sourcing
It is native to the Himalayan foothills and the Indian subcontinent through southern China.
Its flowers attract bees and sunbirds.
It tolerates drought and poor soil.
It is planted widely in north Indian gardens and along roads, and grows up to about two thousand metres in the Himalaya.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Kachnar
Is Kachnar the Hong Kong orchid tree?
No. That tree is a hybrid of this species and Bauhinia purpurea.
Are kachnar buds edible?
Yes, cooked.
When does Kachnar flower?
In spring, often before the leaves appear.
What is the Hindi name of Bauhinia variegata?
Kachnar.
Sources
- Bauhinia variegata L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q840341 (Bauhinia variegata)
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.