Bauhinia variegata

Kachnar or the Indian Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to an area from China through Southeast Asia to the Indian subcontinent. Common names include Orchid tree (though not belonging to the family Orchidaceae) and Mountain ebony. In Nepal, the plant is known as Koirala and the flower is known as Koirala ko phool in Nepali language. The flower and the buds are used to make Nepalese style achaar. The flowers and buds are boiled for a while and then mixed with roughly mashed boiled potato, chopped green chilies, chopped onions, fresh peas, coriander leaves and spices like timmur, salt, pepper, turmeric powder, roasted sesame powder (til ko chhop), cumin powder and coriander powder. Heated mustard oil and fenugreek seeds is then added to the mixture and then lemon juice or lime juice concentrate (chuk amilo in Nepali) is then added as per taste. The achar is then served instantly. The Achar is important part of the meal served during the Ghode Jatra festival.

In cultivation

This is a very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers and also used as a food item in Indian cuisine.