Bauhinia purpurea L.

Bunga kupu-kupu (Bauhinia purpurea) is an upright woody tree 7-10 meters tall of the Fabaceae family, native to Myanmar, India, and China, introduced into Indonesia. Its uniquely butterfly-shaped leaves make it a popular ornamental and shade tree, while its flower buds and seeds can be cooked as a vegetable. Bunga kupu-kupu is also believed to help lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels.

Grows well in tropical areas at elevations of 500-2,000 m above sea level, fertile, moist soil conditions with good drainage, sandy, clayey or gravelly, temperature 12-21°C, annual rainfall 1,000-5,000 mm/year.

• Root doubly rounded like a heart base with an oblong tip.
• Stem grayish-brown in color.
• Leaves 10-20 cm in size, green in color resembling butterfly wings.
• Flowers pink in color with 5 petals and a fragrant scent.
• Fruit ripens to dark brown, hard, and slightly splits open.

• Propagated by seed and stem cuttings. Germinates quickly, seedlings emerge within 4-10 days and can reach 1 m in height within 2 months.
• Young plant growth is very fast. Under good conditions, it can reach a height of 3 m within 12 months. Bunga kupu-kupu flowers at the end of the year.

Flower: astragalin, isoquercetin, quercetin, pelargonidin. Leaf: alkaloid, tannin, quinone, polyphenolate, steroid, saponin, and flavonoid. Sap and wood: tannic acid.

Carminative/relieves wind colic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, lowers blood glucose and cholesterol levels, laxative, diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, remedy for boils, infections, pain, jaundice, leprosy, hyperthyroidism, and cough.

• Collect fresh bark.
• Wash thoroughly with running water.
• Dry for several days until completely dry. Grind into powder.
• Store in a clean container/plastic bag.

Tayuman (Java).