Scientific name: Bauhinia purpurea
English common name: Orchid tree
Lao name: Sieo
Plant family: Fabaceae (Pea family)
The beautiful flowers of Bauhinia purpurea can be seen at Pha Tad Ke now
The orchid tree is without doubt the most recognizable of the Bauhinias. For at least fifty years it has been planted along avenues in Laos, particularly in Vientiane. With its often twisted trunk, this small tree, originally from Myanmar, is not particularly attractive, but it is renowned for its large purple or white flowers, reminiscent to those of the orchid, which also give off a sweet perfume. Its leaves, like those of most of the Bauhinias, are very characteristic since they are formed of two more or less folded lobes.
This tree is not only ornamental, but different ethnic societies have learned from other groups, such as the Hmong, to eat the floral buds, to harvest the gum, and to use the tree for medicinal purposes. In cases of anemia, an infusion is made. This same infusion can also be used as a bath to soothe the pain of arthritis.
The Traditional Medicine Center recommends a drink made from the stalks and roots of this Bauhinia to strengthen women after childbirth.
The bi-lobed leaf of the orchid tree
Text by Dr Biba Vilaylek, PTK Ethnobotanist. Translation from French kindly done by Gillian Marshall. Edits and photographs by Bryony Smart,
PTK Botanist.