Butea monosperma aka Bastard Teak

Butea monosperma is a deciduous tree in the pea family. It sheds its leaves each year. Common names include dhak, palas, and flame of the forest. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina. Its range also takes in southwestern China. It grows in forests, open grasslands, and dry plains. In India, groups of these trees can dominate open ground. People across South Asia grow it for its flowers. People in other places grow it for the same use.

Growth is slow. The trunk is often short and crooked. Garden trees reach 30–40 feet [9.1–12.2 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Broader accounts give heights of 16–49 feet [5–15 metres]. Rare trees reach about 66 feet [20 metres]. The green leaves feel like leather and have long stalks. Each compound leaf has three diamond-shaped parts, called leaflets. Each whole leaf spans about 0.8–1.5 feet [0.25–0.46 metres]. Leaves fall in early winter and leave the stems bare.

Dark buds form on bare stems in midwinter. Orange and red flowers open from late January through March. The blooms grow in dense clusters called racemes. These reach up to 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] long. Bare branches make the flowers easy to see. Birds carry pollen between the flowers. Flat pods then form, each with a single seed. The pods reach about 0.25–0.33 feet [0.08–0.10 metres] long. Some trees have pale yellow blooms in place of orange.

Grow the tree in sun, out of strong winds. It also accepts some shade. It grows best in deep, rich soil that drains well. Rich organic matter helps it grow, as does surface mulch. Keep the soil moist while the tree grows. Then let it dry as winter draws near. This change with the season helps bring on leaf fall. Missouri Botanical Garden places it in USDA zones 10–12. It reports no major problems with insects or disease. Nearby trees can soften this tree's uneven shape. Such planting can still leave the flowers in view.

People grow the tree for looks and useful materials. Hindu communities hold it sacred and plant it near homes. Flowers give yellow to orange-red dyes, but the colour fades. Roots give red dye. Bark yields tannins and gum used in medicine. Traditional medicine also uses the seeds, flowers, and leaves. These uses do not prove that home treatments work. Nor do they prove such treatments are safe. Useful Tropical Plants lists young roots as food. It gives them a low rating for use as food. It reports no known hazards. This does not confirm safety for people or pets. The same source gives its IUCN status as Least Concern.