Palash (Butea monosperma) : Spring watch at Baroghutu hill, Mukutmanipur, Bankura District, West Bengal, India.
Used Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 lens.
Mukutmanipur's undulating forested landscape marked by the vibrant colours of Palash and Sonajhuri trees is refreshing and invigorating for the body and mind. It is marked by the prominent hillock about 200metres high, locally named "Baroghutu" (Baro- twelve, ghutu-/stones/hill). The tribal hamlets of Baroghutu, Jambeda, Kumorbahal, Dhagora and Mukutmanipur encircle this hillock. With a landscape that seems naturally designed for adventure, Mukutmanipur offers opportunities in rock climbing, trekking and a variety of water sports.
The local festivals, Tusu, Bhadu, Sahrai and Badna are symbolized by much music and dance, and strengthen the Mukutmanipur experience, laden with the relaxed air of nature in the heartland. The Bankura district has a tribal population famous for its music, art and culture. Mukutmanipur is one such quaint village. The community will provide the tourist with a life that is stress free.
Palash(Butea monosperma) is a species of Butea native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, ranging across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia. Common names include Palash, Dhak, Palah, Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak, Parrot Tree, Keshu (Punjabi) and Kesudo (Gujurati).
It starts blooming end of JAN and arround mid March it is in full bloom. Perhaps the most attractive flower of the season. When in full bloom, it is a sight to behold ! The mountain ranges are transformed into a spectacular phenomenon making them appear as if the flames of saffron-red colors are leaping from them. No wonder the tree is also known as-and aptly so- ' Flame Of The Forest '. In West Bengal, it is associated with spring, 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. The plant has lent its name to the town of Palashi, famous for the historic Battle of Plassey fought there.
It is a medium sized dry season-deciduous tree, growing to 15 m tall. It is a slow growing tree, young trees have a growth rate of a few feet per year. 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 broadIt 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. In the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, these flowers are specially used in the worship of Lord Shiva on occasion of Shivratri. In Telugu, this tree is called Modugu chettu.
In Kerala, this is called 'plasu' and 'chamata'. Chamata is the vernacular version of Sanskrit word 'Samidha', small piece of wood that is used for 'agnihotra' or fire ritual. In most of the old namboodiri (Kerala Brahmin) houses, one can find this tree because this is widely used for their fire ritual.
Use as a dye
The flowers are used to prepare a traditional Holi colour. It is also used as a dyeing color for fabric.
Use as a pesticide
This plant kills Mosquitoes. They are attracted by the smell and color of the flower. Eggs that are laid into the liquid within the flower will never hatch. Any mosquito that touches the fluid can never escape from it.( Source: Wikipedia)
Medicinal value
The medicinal values of Palash have long been acknowledged in our ancient scriptures. Gum secreting from its bark cures Mucus Dysentery, Acidity & many stomach ailments. Its seeds are useful in treatment of worms and intestinal bacteria. ' Panchang ' of Palash or ash prepared from its five parts i.e. leaves, flowers, seeds, skin and root cures urinary tract, Obesity, Kidney problems, Backache & many more ailments. Highly esteemed by the ancient sages and modern researchers, the miraculous Palash, like Tulas, has no parallels. ( www.palashayurvedictreatment.com/palash.htm).
Palash (Butea monosperma) : Spring watch at Baroghutu hill, Mukutmanipur, Bankura District, West Bengal, India.
Used Tamron SP AF 90mm F/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 lens.
Mukutmanipur's undulating forested landscape marked by the vibrant colours of Palash and Sonajhuri trees is refreshing and invigorating for the body and mind. It is marked by the prominent hillock about 200metres high, locally named "Baroghutu" (Baro- twelve, ghutu-/stones/hill). The tribal hamlets of Baroghutu, Jambeda, Kumorbahal, Dhagora and Mukutmanipur encircle this hillock. With a landscape that seems naturally designed for adventure, Mukutmanipur offers opportunities in rock climbing, trekking and a variety of water sports.
The local festivals, Tusu, Bhadu, Sahrai and Badna are symbolized by much music and dance, and strengthen the Mukutmanipur experience, laden with the relaxed air of nature in the heartland. The Bankura district has a tribal population famous for its music, art and culture. Mukutmanipur is one such quaint village. The community will provide the tourist with a life that is stress free.
Palash(Butea monosperma) is a species of Butea native to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, ranging across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia. Common names include Palash, Dhak, Palah, Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak, Parrot Tree, Keshu (Punjabi) and Kesudo (Gujurati).
It starts blooming end of JAN and arround mid March it is in full bloom. Perhaps the most attractive flower of the season. When in full bloom, it is a sight to behold ! The mountain ranges are transformed into a spectacular phenomenon making them appear as if the flames of saffron-red colors are leaping from them. No wonder the tree is also known as-and aptly so- ' Flame Of The Forest '. In West Bengal, it is associated with spring, 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. The plant has lent its name to the town of Palashi, famous for the historic Battle of Plassey fought there.
It is a medium sized dry season-deciduous tree, growing to 15 m tall. It is a slow growing tree, young trees have a growth rate of a few feet per year. 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 broadIt 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. In the Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh, these flowers are specially used in the worship of Lord Shiva on occasion of Shivratri. In Telugu, this tree is called Modugu chettu.
In Kerala, this is called 'plasu' and 'chamata'. Chamata is the vernacular version of Sanskrit word 'Samidha', small piece of wood that is used for 'agnihotra' or fire ritual. In most of the old namboodiri (Kerala Brahmin) houses, one can find this tree because this is widely used for their fire ritual.
Use as a dye
The flowers are used to prepare a traditional Holi colour. It is also used as a dyeing color for fabric.
Use as a pesticide
This plant kills Mosquitoes. They are attracted by the smell and color of the flower. Eggs that are laid into the liquid within the flower will never hatch. Any mosquito that touches the fluid can never escape from it.( Source: Wikipedia)
Medicinal value
The medicinal values of Palash have long been acknowledged in our ancient scriptures. Gum secreting from its bark cures Mucus Dysentery, Acidity & many stomach ailments. Its seeds are useful in treatment of worms and intestinal bacteria. ' Panchang ' of Palash or ash prepared from its five parts i.e. leaves, flowers, seeds, skin and root cures urinary tract, Obesity, Kidney problems, Backache & many more ailments. Highly esteemed by the ancient sages and modern researchers, the miraculous Palash, like Tulas, has no parallels. ( www.palashayurvedictreatment.com/palash.htm).