Popularly known as "Flame of the Forest", the Butea Monosperma often heralds the start of the Spring season. These distinct trees in season are profuse with flowers and although they may be cultivated in gardens and compounds, the tree is generally found in the wilderness.
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| Blossoms great source of food for birds |
Butea Monosperma is a species native in India and has the common names of Flame of the Forest, Palash and Bastard Teak. It is a small dry season deciduous tree which grows to around 15m (49ft) in height. It is a slow growing tree and saplings have a growth rate of only a few feet per year.
The flowers of this tree, which usually start appearing in February and lasts till the end of April, are a food source for birds. The colour extracted from the flowers of the Flame of the Forest can be used as dye for fabrics. The preparation of this colour entails drying the flowers for two days, and thereafter crushing the flowers and making them into powder which is later mixed with water to bring out the bright red colour. The extract is used during such celebrations as Holi.
Wood of this tree is regarded as suitable for: timber, resin, fodder and medicine. Spoons and ladles made from the wood of this tree are used in various Hindu rituals. Although the leaves are leathery and not suitable as cattle fodder, they are used as stitch leaf plates in rural areas.
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| Blossoms compared to the red nails of Cupid (Kamadeva) |
In Andhra Pradesh, the flowers of this tree are used in the worship of Lord Siva during Shivaratri. The mythology behind this tree states that it is a form of Agni, the God of Fire. In the Gita Govinda the blossoms of this tree are compared to the red nails of Kamadeva (Cupid), with which the latter wounds the hearts of lovers; and refers to the blossoms of the nearly leafless tree as a net of flowers which entraps the hearts of lovers.
In Rudyard Kipling's story Beyond the Pale, the author writes that the blossom of this tree symbolise "desire" and "danger". The tree is also featured in Kipling's famed "The Jungle Book" in the story "Tiger! Tiger!" as the tree Mowgli instructs his wolf-brother Grey Brother to wait under for a signal that Khan has returned.
