Envis Centre, Ministry of Environment & Forest, Govt. of India

Printed Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Camel Foot Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Botanical Name  

Bauhinia variegata Linn.

Common Name     

Camel foot tree, Kachnar (Hindi), Sigappu Mandharai (Tamil), Kovidara (Sanskrit)

 Distribution

Throughout India 

 

 

Religious association

 

 

The flower is sacred to Lord Shiva and is offered to the deity.

 

 

The Kovidara tree features in the epic Ramayana. Bharata’s chariot is recognized by his flag with the kovidara tree insignia.

 

 

Uses

 

 

 

The tree has a variety of uses. An infusion of the flower bud is a remedy for cough. The bark is believed to cure asthma and ulcers. The leaves are used as cattle fodder. The wood is used for making agricultural implements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: http://www.asianflora.com/Fabaceae/Bauhinia-purpurea-4.jpg