Kachnar Tree (Bauhinia variegata): Where It Grows in India and How to Use Its Buds
Bauhinia variegata
Kachnar is the orchid tree that flowers on bare branches in late winter and gives the buds for kachnar ki kali ki sabzi. Where it grows in India, how it copes with heat, dry summers and frost, when and how to plant it in each region, care for the first three years, and how to tell it from look-alike Bauhinia trees.
Where to get seeds and saplings
Real nurseries and institutes we checked. Stock changes, so confirm before you travel.
- Dilli Free Tree (Delhi Forest Department nurseries)
Serves: North plains (Indo-Gangetic)
Delhi, Delhi
Free seedlings: apply on the portal, then collect from a Delhi forest nursery. The portal lists Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) separately from Jhinjheri (Bauhinia racemosa).
Checked October 12, 2026
- AFRI Model Nursery (ICFRE-Arid Forest Research Institute)
Serves: Northwest arid
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Stock list dated 1 July 2025 showed 300 kachnar plants; check current stock before visiting.
Checked October 12, 2026
- nurserylive: Bauhinia Variegated, Kachnar, Orchid Tree - 0.5 kg Seeds
Ships across India
ICFRE: seed stored in sealed tins stays good for about a year; soak 24 hours before sowing.
Checked October 12, 2026
Source: Dilli Free Tree: Species-wise stock (Kachnar, Bauhinia variegata) – Department of Forests and Wildlife, Govt. of NCT of Delhi
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Please check important details against the sources shown in each section.
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