Flame of the Forest (Palasha)

Flame of the forest is a medium-sized deciduous tree with three-part leaves and brilliant orange-red flowers that cover the bare branches in spring. It grows in dry forests across India and is sacred in Hindu tradition.

Known in Sanskrit as Palasha, its flowers, seeds, bark and gum are used in Ayurveda. The flowers are traditionally used for a natural colour and in skin-care preparations, and the seeds and gum for digestive comfort.