This tree was photographed by me in the
Nagarahole Forest of Karnataka on the 18th of January, 2010, while on a family holiday at the
Cicada Kabini Resort.
Spathodea campanulata is called
Rudrapalash, made famous in literature by poet
Rabindranath Tagore. A town called Palashi, were the historic Battle of Plassey was fought, got its name from this tree and the Palash,
Butea monosperma.
Claw-like petals and the finger-like bud seem to point to the heavens, with a warning to the
earth and its people, about the dangers of path of wanton
destruction we have rakishly followed.
Here, I liken it to passionate woman. This is a
riddle-type haiku.
crimson claws
sets heart on fire-
flame of the forest
© Nalini Hebbar/openmind/2009 - all rights reserved
.jpg)
