Bauhinia petersiana

Bauhinia petersiana (also known as Kalahari White Bauhinia)^[1] is a species of shrubs from Fabaceae family that can be found in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo,^[2] Lesotho,^[3] Mozambique,^[4] Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The species is 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) in height.^[5]

Ecology

In East Africa, the plant grows at altitudes of 150–1,850 metres (490–6,070 ft), while in South Africa it can be found in dry places, such as the Kalahari desert at the altitudes around 350 metres (1,150 ft). The plant can widstand frost.^[2]

Various uses of the plant

Plant as food

The seeds of this plant are considered a delicacy in Botswana, where they are used as nuts. Ground and roasted seeds are often used for coffee. The unripe seeds are not harmful to humans and can be eaten. Botswanians also use the plants seeds for oil.^[2]

Craftsmanship

In Congo the bark is used for rope making, while the roots are used to make dye. The plant is harvested by livestock. Its growing as a decorative plant in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe,^[2] and even in the United States.^[6]

Medicine

In Zimbabwe the Shona tribe uses the plants roots for medical reasons, such as for treating dysmenorrhoea and female infertility. In South Africa the plants pounded leaves when mixed with salt are used to cure wounds. Also, in majority of countries the macerated roots of the plant are used for treating diarrhoea. Despite its widespread usage, the plant was never domesticated, and therefore was poorly documented.^[2]

References

External links

• Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). "Bauhinia petersiana". African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.