Mountain Ebony
Bauhinia variegatafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 236F — Bauhinia variegata
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IOverview
Overview
Mountain Ebony, Bauhinia variegata, is a tree or shrub native to Myanmar and the western Himalayas, with a range extending into Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, and Laos. Known for its edible leaves, this plant thrives in moist to wet conditions, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil. It requires full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 8-11. Reaching heights of up to 12 meters, Mountain Ebony stands out with its distinctive, lobed leaves that resemble those of a clover.
Quick answers
What is Mountain Ebony?
Mountain Ebony, Bauhinia variegata, is a tree or shrub native to Myanmar and the western Himalayas, with a range extending into Assam, Bangladesh, China South-Central, East Himalaya, India, and Laos.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mountain Ebony thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows well in hardiness zones 8-11 and can reach a height of 12 meters. For cultivation, ensure the plant has adequate moisture but avoid waterlogged conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. The leaves are edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mountain Ebony for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Mountain Ebony tree to observe its growth and beauty.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Mountain Ebony sapling, well-draining soil, and a container or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is warming up, avoiding frost.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct midday sun for now.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly once a year with compost or organic matter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, using too much fertilizer, and not providing enough support for the tree as it grows.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of the Mountain Ebony (Bauhinia variegata) are edible and can be eaten fresh or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling before consumption to enhance their palatability.
Other uses:DyeAnimal feedTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
13 native · 17 introduced
Distribution
13 native · 17 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 13 native· 17 introduced
Asia18 regions
native (9)BangladeshChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanThailandVietnam
introduced (9)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosNepalPakistanThailandVietnam
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)BahamasBolivia
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya, Panamá
introduced:Caroline Is., California, Argentina Northeast, East Himalaya, Panamá, Argentina Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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