In India, the Gulmohar (an ornamental flowering tree) blooms from April to June. I took quite a liking for the intense orangy red colour and beauty of these flowers. So I decided to get some upclose photographs of these gorgeous flowers.

A canopy of flaming red…

Discovered in the early 19th century in its native Madagascar by botanist Wensel Bojer, Gulmohar is a very colourful tree, and makes the tree seem to be in flames when it starts blooming.
Gulmohar tree, also known as flame of the forest. It is easy to see why as the orange-red colours of this tree’s flowers are so intense, that it looks like it is on fire.

Even up close, these flowers are gorgeous and unbeaten in beauty

Gulmohar is also known as Krishnachura in Bengali which means ‘crown of the Lord Krishna’. In Vietnamese it is known as Phượng vĩ, meaning “Phoenix’s Tail”

The minutest detail of the flower makes one wonder in awe

In India, widely known as Gulmohar in Hindi and Urdu -‘Gul’ means ‘Flower’ and ‘Mohr’ means ‘Peacock’, suggesting a spectacular show of color, like the extraordinary colors of a peacock’s tail.

Flower of Calvary

In the Indian state of Kerala, Gulmohar is commonly known as Kaalvarippoo, meaning “the flower of Calvary”. It is a popular belief among Saint Thomas Christians of Kerala that when Jesus was crucified, there was a small Gulmohar tree nearby his Cross. It is believed that the blood of Jesus Christ was shed over the flowers of the tree, thus giving its sharp red color.

Natural dyes can be extracted from these fierce red blossoms…

Apart from ornamental purpose, Gulmohar tree is also known for its medicinal and economic values

Gulmohar plant is used for treatment of constipation, inflammations, arthritis and hemiphlagia.
The wood of Gulmohar has high calorific value and is used as fuel.
The oil from the seeds, “pangam” or “karanga” oil are used in tanning industry, soap- making, illuminating and pharmaceutical preparations. This oil possesses insecticidal and anti- bacterial properties.

Stamens- pollen producing part of the Gulmohar. Ain’t it wonderful?

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