Bauhinia racemosa Lam.

Leaf Dimensions

This tree has relatively small, wide leaves, measuring 2 to 5 cm long and 2.5 to 6.3 cm wide. A cleft splits each leaf into two rounded lobes.

Inflorescence Structure

Its flowers grow in terminal racemes that are 5 to 12.5 cm long.

Pod Morphology

The pods are stalked, smooth, and turgid, with a blunt apex and a tapered base. Ripe pods are dark brown, indehiscent, and contain 12 to 20 seeds.

Bark Characteristics

The bark is scabrous, bluish-black in color, and marked with vertical cracks.

Phenology

The tree flowers from March to June, and its pods mature in November to December, remaining on the tree for several more months after maturing.

Seed Predation

In its ecosystem, immature seeds of this tree are eaten by the grizzled giant squirrel.

Human Uses

The leaves are used to make beedi, a thin cigarillo from India and Sri Lanka.