City - DURGAPUR State - WEST BENGAL Country - India
About
Butea monosperma (syn. Butea frondosa, Erythrina monosperma, Plaso monosperma; Kinshuk, Palash, Dhak, Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak or Parrot Tree), is a species of Butea native to tropical southern Asia, from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia.[1] Also known as kesudo in Gujurati.
It is a medium sized dry season-deciduous tree, growing to 15 m tall. The leaves are pinnate, with an 8-16 cm petiole and three leaflets, each leaflet 10-20 cm long. The flowers are 2.5 cm long, bright orange-red, and produced in racemes up to 15 cm long. The fruit is a pod 15-20 cm long and 4-5 cm broad.
It is used for timber, resin, fodder, medicine, and dye. The gum from the tree, called kamarkas in Hindi, is used in certain food dishes. The gum is also known as Bengal Kino, and is considered valuable by druggists because of its astringent qualities, and by leather workers because of its tannin. The wood is dirty white and soft and, being durable under water, is used for well-curbs and water scoops. Good charcoal can be made from it.
In West Bengal it is associated with Spring (season), especially through the poems and songs of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, who likened its bright orange flame-like flower to fire. In Santiniketan, where Tagore lived, this flower has become an indispensable part of the celebration of spring.
It is said that the tree is a form of Agnidev, God of Fire. It was a punishment given to Him by Goddess Parvati for disturbing Her and Lord Shiva's privacy.
Other names Flame of the Forest | Bastard Teak, Parrot Tree (Eng.), Chichra tesu, desuka jhad, dhak, palas, chalcha, kankrei (Hindi), Palashpapra (Urdu), Muthuga (Can.), Palas, Polashi (Beng.), Porasum, Parasu (Tam.), Muriku, Shamata (Mal.), Modugu (Tel.), Khakda (Guj.), Kela (Sinh.)
Beautifully photographed my sweet Bubai with a wonderfully informative 'about'. The tones are gorgeous and the dof is superb, well done sweetie. Hugs and very best wishes to you......Ray
Excellent macro, mostly because of the very unusual plant!!! I don't think I have ever seen that before, thanks for sharing with as as also the information about.
It is as beautiful as you are my rajkumari. Lovely orange/gold tones on the flowers. Wel done Aungs.hita . Vele kusjes voor mijn prinses. Uw harry ;) :) :)
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{K:250395} 1/19/2009
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