Botany
Small but stocky tree growing to a height of 8 to 10 meteres. Bark, yellowish brown. Branches freely rebranching, with a dense crown. Leaves are broader than longer, 5 to 10 cm in length, heart-shaped at the base, deeply notched at the apex. Flowers, white and large. Pods are long, narrow, flattened, 20-30 cm by 1.5-2.5 cms.

OTHER INFO
There are many species of Bauhinia. They share the 'butterfly' configuration of the leaves.
Alibangbang is an Ilongo word for butterfly.

Distribution
In open, dry slopes, in long dry seasons in Luzon.

Constituents
Bark contains a tannin, 9.5 %.

Parts used
Bark, leaves, flowers.

Medicinal properties
Digestive, emmenagogue, antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, pectoral, stomachic, anthelmintic, antiperiodic.

Uses
Culinary / nutritional
Leaves are sour, commonly used as flavoring for meat and fish (sinigang and sinampalukan dishes).
Excellent source of calcium; good source of iron.
Folkloric
Infusion of fresh flowers for dysentery.
Decoction of root bark used for liver problems.
Bark also used for dystentery.
Leaves, externally, to the forehead for fevers.

Availability
Wild-crafted.