By Gurpreet Singh |February 19, 2026
Scientifically known as Butea monosperma, this deciduous tree belongs to the pea family and thrives across India’s dry tropical forests.
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During late winter and early spring, Palash bursts into fiery orange and crimson blossoms, standing leafless against clear blue skies.
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Its dramatic flowering season usually begins in February and continues through April, painting forests in warm, glowing hues.
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The tree grows widely across Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and neighbouring regions, favouring dry plains and open woodland habitats.
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Palash can reach heights of up to 15 metres, with a crooked trunk and spreading branches forming irregular shapes.
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Traditional Ayurvedic medicine values Palash for its bark, gum and seeds, believed to possess various healing properties.
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Its leaves are often stitched together to make eco-friendly plates and bowls, widely used in rural communities.
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Palash flowers are pollinated mainly by birds such as sunbirds, who feed eagerly on their sweet nectar.
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Conservation efforts now encourage planting native species like Palash to restore degraded forest landscapes sustainably.
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Despite its hardy nature, habitat loss and land-use changes threaten natural Palash populations in some regions.
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