El cow hoof tree It is a very peculiar and popular species, on which different scientific studies have been carried out in order to determine its medicinal qualities. This tree belongs to the Fabaceae group and has peculiar characteristics that other species do not have. We invite you to get to know them! !
What is the Cow Hoof Tree?
Usually when you hear the name Tree cow leg we imagine a plant with a trunk similar to a hoof, perhaps something rustic and ugly even passes through our minds, however, the cow hoof tree which is also scientifically known as the Bauhinia Forficata, in addition to other names such as purple urape and deer helmet, is a tree with a beautiful flower that has some resemblance to the orchid, but at the same time has nothing to envy.
The name of this tree is due to a nickname given to it by the botanist brothers Caspar Bauhin and Johann Bauhin, who carried out the studies alluding to this plant. This tree comes from India, Vietnam and Southeast China, however, currently it can also be found in regions such as Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico and Colombia.
Characteristics of the cow's hoof tree
The pata de vaca plants have a practically straight trunk, with a height between 7 and 12 meters, they have a cup with which they are covered from the sun's rays of approximately 3 and 6 meters in length, they are outdoor trees, their Leaves are deciduous and rounded, which when complete have the shape of a cow's hoof imprint and measure 20 to 15 centimeters, however, its most attractive feature is its beautiful flowers.
These flowers come out at the end of the winter season until summer arrives, they are available in white, pink, purple and red, they also have beautiful fruits in the form of an elongated and thin pod, which can measure about 20 centimeters and have round seeds. brown in color
The flower of this tree is very similar to the orchid flower in its appearance, however, in terms of other characteristics it is different, starting with the fact that they reproduce through the seeds and shoots that come out of their roots.
Main Species of Cow's Hoof Tree
Like any family of plants, there are some specimens that stand out more than others, among the species of the cow hoof tree most important, we can find the following:
Bauhinia Forficata or Bauhinia Candicans
This tree is called pata de vaca or ox hoof tree, can have a height of approximately 7 meters, long-lasting and green leaves, with white flowers and come from Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. They are used to decorate, they also have great medicinal qualities, so it is used in astringent, healing, diuretic and antiseptic cases.
Bauhinia purpurea
This tree is also known as purple urape, stick orchid and deer helmet, its height can be from 9 to 12 meters, it has rounded leaves and its flowers are purple as its name indicates.
Bauhinia Variegata
It is also known as orchid tree, false mahogany, cow's claw and orchid tree, it is distributed in many countries, especially in cold climates, its height can reach up to 12 meters, it is a tree with leaves expired and is from Asia. It is used as food, medicinal plant and to decorate gardens.
Among the care that this plant requires, we can mention that the irrigation must be continuous and have enough fertilizer, they must be planted outside in a space where the sun or shade, but the important thing is that they be planted in places with enough space where their roots they can be spread freely without colliding with walls, walls or other plants, they can also be planted in all types of soil, as long as it has good drainage.
Cow Hoof tree care
The general care that should be given to the cow's foot tree or the ox's foot tree correctly, in order to have a healthy development and beautiful flowers, are the following:
- Location: It is very important to know that these plants must grow in gardens with enough space for them to spread their roots, in addition, the right place is a place where they get direct sunlight, but they can also grow in shaded places. It can be planted in a pot, but it must be transplanted to the ground during its first years, since they need a lot of space to develop, as their roots are usually very invasive and could damage walls, houses, pipes, among others.
- Temperature: The only thing that can be highlighted in terms of temperature is that this tree does not tolerate very cold climates or frost.
- Land: This tree can be planted in any terrain as long as it has good drainage, but if there is an opportunity to choose the type of soil, it would be best to choose one that is light and fertile.
- Irrigation: The cow foot tree It does not require large amounts of water, so it must be watered constantly but avoiding soaking or puddles. In the summer times it should be watered every 3 days, and the rest of the year at least once a week.
- Pruning: The pruning of this tree should be carried out after its flowering, so that it develops in a more beautiful and leafy way.
- Fertilizer: Fertilizing this plant is very important, especially when the plant is beginning to grow, with the intention that it continue to do so for as long as necessary. Fertilizers should be applied, such as manure and worms.
- Reproduction: The reproduction of these plants is by sowing their seeds, during the spring season or by cuttings at the end of the summer season.
Medicinal properties
These Flowering trees They are not only used as decoration or food according to their type, but it is also a wonder in terms of the medicinal benefits it offers to the health of human beings.
In the case of diabetes, the leg of the cow has been an ideal remedy since, thanks to the scientific studies that have been carried out on this tree, it has been determined that it has a hypoglycemic property, that is, it can be extracted from its infusions and from the extracts or infusions of the leaves of this tree we would be obtaining an insulin secretion thanks to the contribution of essential minerals that it possesses.
Another benefit that the oxfoot tree provides are its diuretic properties, which is why it is recommended to consume its leaves, in order to eliminate fluids from the human body more quickly. This tree also provides benefits such as its healing properties, in addition to being used in the various regions where it is found as a cure for different types of external wounds.
But keep in mind that this tree is used as natural medicine but not proven, that is to say that if the disease you want to treat needs medical treatment or more specific formulas that are indicated by a specialist, you must follow the medical indications, and In the case of having consumed this plant in the form of a remedy, you should consult your doctor so that he can tell you if you have to continue consuming it or not.
