Koiralo blooms ignored in hills, valued in cities

By Sher Bahadur Sarki

Bajura, Apr. 9:  The koiralo (Bauhinia variegata) flower, which blooms abundantly in the forests and hills of Bajura and often goes to waste, is seeing increasing demand in urban areas.

Locals in the hills have traditionally given little importance to the koiralo flower, whereas people in cities have begun to recognise its value, leading to a rise in demand.

The koiralo flower is considered highly beneficial for health. It can be used as a vegetable or made into pickles, and it typically blooms from mid-March to mid-May. 

Karan BK, a local of Budhiganga Municipality, said that the flower blooms profusely across forested slopes from mid-March to mid-May.

He informed that koiralo is found more in the lower regions than in higher altitudes, and is widely available in warmer areas such as Badeda, Sigada, Banegaun and most parts of Triveni Municipality.

While the flower is increasingly sought after in cities as a vegetable, it continues to go to waste in the hills. BK added that if local governments raise awareness about its importance, locals could generate good income from the koiralo flower.

The plant itself is known as the koiralo tree. It is of medium size, with distinctive leaves that appear split into two parts. The flowers bloom in white, pink and purple shades and are large and attractive, with a mild, sweet fragrance.

The buds (tender parts) of the koiralo can be cooked as a vegetable and are considered highly beneficial for health. Its bark and flowers are also used in various Ayurvedic medicines, helping improve digestion and treat a range of skin-related ailments.

Koiralo generally grows in warmer regions, particularly in lowland areas. It is a small tree and is also used as fodder. In some places, it is even cultivated.

Dr. Krishna Belbase, chief of the District Ayurveda Health Centre, Bajura, said that the Ayurvedic name of koiralo is Kanchanar. She explained that its flowers, bark, fruit, leaves and roots can all be used. 

“It is beneficial in treating various conditions such as obesity, digestive disorders, blood-related issues and skin diseases,” she said. She further added that it is also used in the treatment of thyroid disorders, lipoma, cancer and PCOS.

Although koiralo is not widely cultivated in Bajura, the Agriculture Knowledge Centre stated that it grows abundantly in forest areas across the district. Information Officer Prem Raj Neupane said that it is commonly found in areas such as Budhiganga and Gaumul.

He added that since it is primarily used as fodder, locals tend to use it more for feeding cattle, buffaloes and goats rather than for human consumption. “If the branches are cut, it rarely bears fruiSaplings have been distributed through veterinary services, but they are mainly used for fodder rather than for consuming the flowers. Neupane added that commercial cultivation of koiralo has not yet started  in Bajura.