Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Flame of the Forest (Butea monosperma)

Flame-of-the-forest (Butea monosperma) is a species of Butea which is member of Fabaceae, is native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, ranging across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia. Common names include flame-of-the-forest and bastard teak.

It is used for timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. The wood is soft and durable under water, is used for well-curbs and water scoops. Spoons/Ladles made of this tree are used in various rituals to pour Ghee into the fire. Good charcoal can be obtained from it. The leaves are usually very leathery and not eaten by cattle. The leaves are used to make food plates or patravali.

If one travels in central India in the months of March or April, it is hard to miss the trees even from long distance.







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