Palash, Butea – Plant

Butea (Palash) is native to India and is found throughout the country. Palash tree is also known as ‘flame of the forest’ because of its red colour flowers. It is a medicinal tree and its different parts are used to cure various clinical disorders. Palash is considered anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, diuretic, analgesic, antitumor, and astringent. Its leaves are astringent, diuretic, and anovulatory properties. Its flowers are tonic and nutritive. Its roots are used to treat night blindness.

The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a slow-growing tree that reaches a height of 40 to 50 feet. It has a crooked trunk and irregular branches. The leaves are 3-foliate and the flowers a bright orange-red color.

Botanical name: Butea Monosperma
Hindi: Dhak, Palas, Tesu, palaash
Bengali: Palas
Gujrati: Kesoodo, Khakhroo
Kannada: Muttuga
Marathi: Palas
Sanskrit: Palasha,
Tamil: Palasu
Telugu: Palasamu