![]() Different Names of Flame of the Forest/ Palash Tree The scientific name of the tree is Butea Monosperma. Its family is Leguminosae and sub-family is Papilonaceae. Its called in several names in Hindi language like Chichra tesu, Desuka Jhad, Dhak, Palas, Chalcha and Kankrei. In Urdu it is called as Palashpapra. The Bengali people call it as Palas or Palashi and the Tamils call it as Porasum or Parasu. It is named like Muriku and Shamata in Malayalam, Modugu in Telugu, Khakda in Gujarati and Kela in Sinhalese. In English it has two names; Flame of the Forest and Parrot Tree. ![]() Flame of the Forest/ Palash Tree is a medium size tree of around 6-12m of height. Usually, the shaft of the tree is curved and twisted with irregular branches that are rough and has grey bark. The scentless flowers are massed along the ends of the stalks that are dark and velvety green like the cup-shaped calices. There are 5 petals in each flower that comprise one standard and two smaller wings and also a curved beak-shaped keel. The name Parrot Tree is given because of this keel only. The leaves of the tree appear in April and May and are large and trifoliate in size. Usage of Flame of the Forest/Palash Tree Flame of the Forest/ Palash Tree is very popular amongst the people as it has a numerous use. The brilliant colouring matter obtained from an infusion of the flowers may be used into water-paint or into a dye. A lucid oil is also obtained from the seeds and the gum that exudes from the stems is known as Bengal Kino. This Bengal Kino is very much valuable to the druggists as it has astringent qualities and because of its tannin, it is useful to the leather workers also. Making of rope sandals is one of the most important uses of the young roots of the tree that can make a very strong fibre. Because of their strengths, the leaves of the tree are also used as wrapping papers. Not only the leaves and flowers, the wood of the Flame of the Forest tree has some uses as well. As the dirty white and soft wood is durable under water, it can be used for well-curbs and water scoops. Good charcoal can also be made from it. Religious Significance of Flame of the Forest/ Palash Tree The flower of Flame of the Forest/ Palash Tree has some religious value as well. The Palash flower is sacred to the moon and to Brahma and it is said that it has sprung from the feather of a falcon impregnated with the "Soma", the beverage of the Gods. It is used in Hindu ceremonies for the blessing of calves to ensure that they become good milkers. During the thread ceremony, when the Brahmin boys head is shaved, a Palash leaf is given to him to eat. Sacred utensils are made from the Palas wood. |
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