Katmauli, Bidi Leaf Tree, Apta – Plant

Bidi Leaf Tree is a small crooked tree with drooping branches, growing up to 3-5 m tall. Leaves are typical Bauhinia like, shaped like cow’s hooves. They are broader than long, 2-5 X 3-6 cm. The leaves are used for making bidis. Small flowers are borne in loose racemes, 5-10 cm long. Flowers are about 1 cm, greenish white. Petal are 5, narrow lancelike, stamens 10. Pods 13 to 25 cms by 1.8-2.5 cms in size, generally curved, swollen, rigid. Seeds 12 to 20, glabrous, dark reddish brown or black, compressed, 8mm long. Flowering: February-May.