Butea monosperma ( Flame of the Forest ) is a dry-season deciduous tree that is native to India, Burma and Sri Lanka. It is named for its parrot-shaped red and orange flowers which can mimic the colours of fire. Flame of the Forest is fast growing in sub-tropical and tropical climates and offers a wide variety of uses.
The tree is not only sacred in some parts of India, but the wood can also be used to make tools and there is a wide range of medicinal applications.
Other common names include the Parrot Tree, Sacred Tree, Bastard Teak and is most often referred to in India as the Palash Tree. As flowers begin to blossom in late winter.
Growth
Butea monosperma is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to 15m (50 ft). Young trees have a fast growth rate sometimes reaching up to three feet per year. The leaves are pinnate with petioles of up to 16cm (6 inches) and three leaflets, each between 10-20 cm (4-8 inches). In winter, the leaves fall away, and the tree begins to form black flower buds. From late winter until mid-autumn a mature tree is densely covered with bright orange-red flowers. Flame of the Forest may not flower if conditions are either too dry, cold or wet. Each flower has five petals, two wings and a beak-shaped keel that resembles a curved parrot’s beak.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
3°C to 45°C / 37 to 113°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil but prefers a well-draining soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 15 metres (50 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
6.5-8.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Birds.
MATURITY:
7-10 years
GERMINATION RATES:
55-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks at 27-30°C / 80 to 85°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium-Hard
SEEDS PER GRAM:
There are roughly 1400 seeds per kilogram.
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
FACTS ABOUT BUTEA MONOSPERMA (Flame of the Forest)
Until about a century ago, a would-be-son-in-law was tested on his ability to make a plate and bowl from the plant of Flame of the Forest before being declared acceptable by the father-in-law-to-be.
The leaves are said to have diuretic and aphrodisiac properties and apparently stimulate and promote menstrual flow.
Flame of the Forest is a plant that can kill Mosquitoes. They are attracted by the smell and colour of the flower where they attempt to lay their eggs. Eggs within the liquid of the flower will never hatch and any mosquito that touches the fluid cannot escape.
