Vadodara: The naturally occurring orange-red flowers of Kesudo, Palash or Khakhro (Flame of the Forest) are commonly associated with the festival of colors – Holi. In fact, the tree has also become popular because of its triangular leaves.Dhak ke Teen Pat’ – a Hindi proverb. But you will be surprised to know that there is a Dhak tree in Gujarat which is known for its simple leaves.
Globally, only two such specimens of casudo are documented, which are characterized by single leaves rather than trifoliate leaves.
Botanists of Vadodara have come to this tree Jamnagar Where it is locally known as ‘Ek Parni Pir (Pir)’. This heritage tree is also worshiped by the local people who perform rituals under it by offering coconut, flowers, flags and incense sticks. And the farm where it lives is mentioned in official records as ‘a parni farm’!
“This heritage tree is over 400 years old. The tree produces no flowers, fruits or root-suckers, it only develops small bracts and bractioles. Since it does not flower or bear fruit, its further spread is not possible,” said Dr Karna Ranaassistant professor at the city-based Navarachna University, who documented the tree specimen as part of his PhD study Dr Padamnabhi S NagarAssociate Professor and Garden Superintendent in the Department of Botany, MS University.
A tall heritage tree stands on an agricultural land in Meghapar village of Jamjodhpur taluka of Jamnagar. The land has changed ownership but no one has dared to cut down this tree which is revered by the local people as ‘Pir’ (spiritual guide or saint). Bharatbhai, the owner of the land since 2007, said, “It is believed that earlier the owners had tried to remove the tree with the help of a JCB machine, but the JCB machine itself could not operate.”
Before him, a Muslim family owned the land for a few years. “Before him, a Brahmin family owned the land for almost 90 years. But this tree has stood tall for more than 400 years. Since it is so revered, no one bites it,” he said.
“Actually, we wanted a small branch of this tree to submit it to the Botanical Survey of India, but the locals politely refused,” Rana said.
Interestingly, the shape and size of the leaves of this tree are similar to the normal leaves of the common Butia tree.
“There are other dhak trees in its vicinity which have simple triangular leaves. But ‘Ek Parni Khakhar’ is one of its kind.’
Globally, only two such specimens of casudo are documented, which are characterized by single leaves rather than trifoliate leaves.
Botanists of Vadodara have come to this tree Jamnagar Where it is locally known as ‘Ek Parni Pir (Pir)’. This heritage tree is also worshiped by the local people who perform rituals under it by offering coconut, flowers, flags and incense sticks. And the farm where it lives is mentioned in official records as ‘a parni farm’!
“This heritage tree is over 400 years old. The tree produces no flowers, fruits or root-suckers, it only develops small bracts and bractioles. Since it does not flower or bear fruit, its further spread is not possible,” said Dr Karna Ranaassistant professor at the city-based Navarachna University, who documented the tree specimen as part of his PhD study Dr Padamnabhi S NagarAssociate Professor and Garden Superintendent in the Department of Botany, MS University.
A tall heritage tree stands on an agricultural land in Meghapar village of Jamjodhpur taluka of Jamnagar. The land has changed ownership but no one has dared to cut down this tree which is revered by the local people as ‘Pir’ (spiritual guide or saint). Bharatbhai, the owner of the land since 2007, said, “It is believed that earlier the owners had tried to remove the tree with the help of a JCB machine, but the JCB machine itself could not operate.”
Before him, a Muslim family owned the land for a few years. “Before him, a Brahmin family owned the land for almost 90 years. But this tree has stood tall for more than 400 years. Since it is so revered, no one bites it,” he said.
“Actually, we wanted a small branch of this tree to submit it to the Botanical Survey of India, but the locals politely refused,” Rana said.
Interestingly, the shape and size of the leaves of this tree are similar to the normal leaves of the common Butia tree.
“There are other dhak trees in its vicinity which have simple triangular leaves. But ‘Ek Parni Khakhar’ is one of its kind.’