Bauhinia petersiana

The seeds of this plant are considered a delicacy in Botswana, where they are used as nuts. Ground and roasted seeds are often used for coffee. The unripe seeds are not harmful to humans and can be eaten. Botswanans also use the plants seeds for oil.^[2]

In Congo the bark is used for rope making, while the roots are used to make dye. The plant is harvested by livestock. Its growing as a decorative plant in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe,^[2] and even in the United States.^[7]

In Zimbabwe the Shona tribe uses the plant's roots for medical reasons, such as for treating dysmenorrhoea and female infertility. In South Africa the plant's pounded leaves, when mixed with salt, are used to cure wounds. Also, in majority of countries the macerated roots of the plant are used for treating diarrhoea. Despite its widespread usage, the plant was never domesticated, and therefore was poorly documented.^[2]

• Dressler, S.; Schmidt, M. & Zizka, G. (2014). "Bauhinia petersiana". African plants – a Photo Guide. Frankfurt/Main: Forschungsinstitut Senckenberg.