Butea monosperma

Palash, Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak, Parrot Tree

Message of the Flower

Beginning of the Supramental Realisation

The Mother’s Comment

Of charming beauty, it is the herald of victory.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

The Supramental by its very definition is Truth Consciousness, Truth in possession of itself and fulfilling itself by its own power.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - I: Descent and Transformation

The Supermind is in its very essence a truth-consciousness, a consciousness always free from the Ignorance which is the foundation of our present natural or evolutionary existence and from which nature in us is trying to arrive at self-knowledge and world-knowledge and a right consciousness and the right use of our existence in the universe. The Supermind, because it is a truth-consciousness, has this knowledge inherent in it and this power of true existence; its course is straight and can go direct to its aim, its field is wide and can even be made illimitable. This is because its very nature is knowledge: it has not to acquire knowledge but possesses it in its own right…

Sri Aurobindo, Essays in Philosophy and Yoga: Supermind and the Life Divine

Colour

Bright red-orange

Family

Fabaceae

Cultivars

Not widely reported

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Typically 2 to 3 inches across

Flower Texture

Papery

Number of Petals

Five, with one being larger and serving as a standard or banner.

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Smooth

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late winter to early spring

Climate

Tropical to subtropical

Water Requirements

Moderate

Soil Type

Prefers well-drained soils

Temperature Ranges

Thrives in warm climates

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Generally resistant but can be susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions

Pollinators

Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies

Habitat

Native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian subcontinent

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators; the leaves serve as feed for some larval butterflies.

Ornamental

Widely planted for its decorative flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Wood is used in construction and furniture making.

Endangered Status

Not considered globally endangered but may be threatened in specific localities due to habitat loss.