Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. 1894, commonly called Flame of the Forest, Parrot Tree or Bastard Teak, is a tropical, deciduous tree native to the Indian Subcontinent
and South-East Asia.

The common name Flame of the Forest is a bit confusing, because there are a few tropical trees, as Flamboyant (Delonix regia), Yellow Poinciana (Peltophorum pterocarpum) or the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata), which are commonly called Flame trees or Flame of the Forest. The spectacular Butea monosperma, which drops most of its leaves before flowering, reach higths of about 15 meters and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Flowering period: Spring. The tree contains a plant gum or resin, known as Bengal Kino, which is used to dress leather, in nature medicine as an astringent and in food dishes. The timber is durable in or under water and is used to produce a good charcoal, which is used for the holy fire.

The flowers are used to produce a dye, used in the Indian Holi spring festival celebrated by Hindus, known as The Festival of Colors. Butea monosperma is rated as a holy tree amongst Hindus. The tropical tree is a host plant for the lac insect Kerria lacca, whose excretions are used to produce shellac. The stunning flowers contain a liquid, which kills mosquitos.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Flame of the Forest, Parrot Tree (Butea monosperma)

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Flame of the Forest, Parrot Tree (Butea monosperma)