Butea monosperma

Common name

Sacred Tree and Flame-of-the-Forest

Palash

It is most commonly found in dry and moist deciduous forests, and also grown in the plains. These trees grow in water-logged localities too.

Found almost everywhere except in:

Deciduous tree which is native to India. It grows upto 20-40 feet high.

BARK – It has a crooked trunk and a grey bark .
LEAVES – The leaves are 10 – 15 cm long, petiolate and have reticulate venation. They have 3 leaflets.
FLOWERS – Beautiful orange or vermillion shaded flowers. They are scentless. They are cup shaped with about 5 petals. They bloom from February to April.
FRUITS – The fruits are pod like and are covered with small brown hair on the outside. They appear from May to July.

The gum of the tree helps in relieving Diarrhea and Dysentry. It is not suitable for women and children.
The seeds can be used to kill worms of the intestine and stomach. The leaves are useful to remedy Diabetes and sore throats.
The flowers and seeds of the tree are used to cure wounds, and other skin allergies or disorders.

The flowers of the tree where used to make colours to play Holi with in India.
It is said that in Manipur, if a member of the Meitei community dies but their body cannot be found, the bark of the tree is buried instead.

Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub., India Biodiversity Portal.