Bihar – Kachnar
Common Name: Orchid Tree, mountain ebony
Local Name: Kachnar (Hindi), Raktakanchan (Bengali), Kurol (Assamese)
Scientific Name: Bauhinia variegata
Description: A medium-sized ornamental tree, growing to a height of 10 to 12 meters, with beautiful pink or white blossoms. The tree is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical temperature regions and is well-known for its fragrant blossoms. The flowers open in February and continue to bloom through April and early summer.
Uses: The wood of the tree is used to build structures and produce tools for agriculture. Pickles are made from the blooms. Kachnar has strong antioxidant properties and is also used to cure cancer.