Summary:
Now, however, one finds Dhak only at a few places,” Bhadana revealed.Moreover, Butea monosperma also has its medicinal uses, which have been validated. In Buddhism, it is considered the tree of enlightenment.The bright red flower of Butea monosperma (also known as Dhak , Kesu, or Palash), which paints the Aravalis red every spring, finds special mention in the history, culture and literature of the country. “The leaves and flowers were used by the local people for a very long time — while the leaves were used to make plates, the flowers were used for making powdered Holi colours and dyes. “The inflamed landscape of the Aravalis surrounds you, the red blooms drop around you,” describes Neerja Srivastava, an amateur birder from Delhi who loves to visit the range during spring. R P Balwan, former conservator of forests (Gurugram circle), proposes, “While Dhak doesn’t grow as easily as Vilayati kikar, we had planted it during many plantation drives in the Aravalis..