GURUGRAM: Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore associated it with a ‘celebration of life’. Rudyard Kipling called it ‘flame of the forest’. 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. Not many, though, are aware of the incredible sight it presents not too far from Gurugram.Until January, there is nothing show-stopping about the tree, for only its dull-brown branches and nondescript leaves are visible. It is only in February, just before the onset of spring, that its scarlet blooms wrap around the twisted branches of the thorny vegetation of the Aravalis, setting the entire range on fire.It’s a scene that can bring out the poet in some. “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. It is difficult, says Neerja, to imagine of such a treat for the eyes so close to the concrete jungle that is Gurugram. “It’s unfortunate that those sitting in high-rises remain clueless about this remarkable spring beauty,” she adds.The Dhak is of great economic significance to the locals, but over the past four-five decades, it has become less and less widespread in the area, informs Jitender Bhadana of Save Aravali, an environmental NGO. “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. Now, however, one finds Dhak only at a few places,” Bhadana revealed.Moreover, Butea monosperma also has its medicinal uses, which have been validated. A study carried out by Dr D V Rao from the University of Rajasthan (published in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications), mentions the plant’s various pharmacological and pharmacognostic qualities. “Extract of the plant possesses significant astringent, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-diabetic and anti-asthmatic properties,” states the study.Like Dhau (Anogeissus pendula, another native tree of the Aravalis), Dhak is under threat due to the proliferation of the invasive Vilayati kikar (Prosopis juliflora). Explains ecologist Vijay Dhasmana, “Botanist R N Parker, in the early 20th century, said Dhak trees were so abundant in the hilly tracts near Faridabad and Gurugram that they used to give the appearance of a Butea forest. However, over the years, the density of Butea monosperma reduced in the Aravalis due to increased human disturbance, change of land use, and colonisation by mesquite.”Still, future generations need not miss out on the delights of this natural spectacle. 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. Even now, there is a need to preserve its roots and introduce it in the plantation drives of the forest department, along with other species of trees.”So, the ecological conditions for its flourishing may have diminished yet Dhak has managed to survive in the Aravalis. Surely, the priority now should be immediate conservation of the species, not only for its gorgeous cerise blossoms, but for its considerable economic and cultural value.

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