Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chandigarh - Flame of the forest, Parrot Tree, Palash

Botanical Name: Butea monosperma

Local Name: Known as Dakh or Palash in Hindi

'Palash flowers in Purulia district', by Satdeep Gill, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

Reason for being the state flower

Flame of the forest is the designated state flower of multiple Indian states. The reason is mainly due to its historic existence in the region. These flame-red flowers are a unique identity of Palamu forest of Jharkhand. The LWE activities and drought has led to deforestation of the Palash forests in the last 2-3 decades.

The Palash tree is known to be native to the city of Chandigarh. Whereas Palash was chosen as the state flower of Uttar Pradesh mostly because it has a wide presence in the state and the designation could lead to its promotion and conservation.

Cultural Significance

The Palash flowers bloom during the spring season, right in time when it is used to prepare the traditional Holi colour.

Uses

The flower is used in medicine. It is useful in various skin treatments. It also improves digestion and increases sexual stamina.

Its leaves are used for making plates. It is also used for timber, dye, resin etc.

Interesting Fact

Palash has a mention in the literature of Rabindranath Tagore, Jaydeo and Rudyard Kipling. While Rudyard Kipling called it the 'flame of the forest', Rabindranath Tagore associated it with 'celebration of life’.

Bibliography

https://vikaspedia.in/aspirational-districts/jharkhand/palamu/best-practices/conservation-of-palash-forests-of-palamu-using-sustainable-livelihoodmodel-

for-its-inhabitants

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/chandigarhs-official-flower-dhak-set-for-comeback/articleshow/58728114.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/palash-gets-state-flowers-status/articleshow/8009469.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/showstopper-dhak-flowers-bloom-paint-the-aravalis-red/articleshow/67824026.cms

https://www.theecotrends.com/palash-the-state-flower-of-jharkhand-in-india/