Burst of orange

THE LITTLE-KNOWN UTILITIES OF THE UBIQUITOUS GULMOHAR TREE

- CHITRA BALASUBRAMANIAM

IF YOU want to see a burst of orange in all its glory, take a look at the beautiful Gulmohar tree. Come April, this leafless tree slowly starts to sprout fresh springs of green. Soon the young green leaves cover it, and then specks of flowers start appearing. In May, the tree is a riot of red and orange. It is a tree that almost everyone in Delhi looks forward to. But it was admired from only far away. It is only recently a friend tipped me about how she had seen Gulmohar flowers being used for cooking on a TV show and how we had neglected it even when it grew so profusely in our backyards.

Further digging not only confirmed this, but it came to light that its tart-tasting flower has its faithful followers. I am told cows love to feed on its leaves and flowers. Scientifically called Delonix regia, it is known by several names such as Royal Poinciana, the flame of the forest, the flame of the tree, and in India, it is known as Gol Mohr. It is also called Krishnachura or the crown of Lord Krishna.