Flame of the Forest

The red palash flowers bloom in Bhopal

Palash (botanical name - Butea monosperma and frondosa ) is also sometimes called as ‘The Flame of the Forest’ - when large group of such trees are in flower it seems that the forest is on fire hence the name. The flowers, are scentless and consists of five petals comprising one standard, two smaller wings and a very curved beak-shaped keel. The Palash here is also associated with Holi as flowering happens near holi. For ones who wish to play herbal holi its flowers are boiled and the colour obtained is used to play Holi. Medically dried flowers are used as a diuretic. The gum obtained from the tree is called Bengal Kino. It contains tannin and is used in the treatment of diarrhoea. The seeds have anti-helminthic properties and are used in the treatment of worms. The flower is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.