Bastard Teak/Palash

Botanically known as Butea monosperma. 

Also Known as Bengal Kino. Small to medium sized tree that ranges from 5-12m in height. The bark is rough, greyish brown with a reddish exudate. The leaves shed off in February and there is a large display of bright orange-red flowers.

Part of Plant Used

The flowers of the tree are used for dyeing. It has various local names like tesu, kes, kesuda and muttal. 

Habitat

Commonly grows in open grasslands and mixed forests of the Himalayas. It is found in southern Himalayas of Nepal, throughout India, Sri Lanka and Burma. It has been successfully established in Africa and parts of United States where is it popularly used as an ornamental tree

Dyeing with Bastard Teak

The flowers are used to dye cotton, silk and wool in India, China and Pakistan. A range of orange to yellow colours can be achieved by varying mordants and dye concentration. 

* Also can be used as Soap Making Colorant and Candle Making Colorant.