Description: A deciduous tree famous for its brilliant orange-red flowers produced when the tree has few or no leaves.

Identification: Irregular trunk; trifoliate leaves; vivid orange-red flowers; flat pods containing usually one seed.

Habitat & distribution: Tropical and subtropical Indian forests and open woodland.

Uses / importance: Important ornamental and cultural tree; flowers are traditionally used for natural dyes. It also supports insects and birds.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Fabales
Family – Fabaceae
Subfamily – Faboideae
Genus – Butea
Species – B. monosperma

Sources: Kew POWO; India Biodiversity Portal.