This year’s Nature Collection could have been named the “tree collection”. Somehow it just didn’t have the same ring. The four prints that make up the collection are inspired by three common and yet very special trees that are local to this area. As Analise looked for inspiration to design, the Palaash, Khejari and Neem trees stood out, and I can see why. She shares her design process here. But what about the trees behind the design? When Analise asked me to do a little research on the trees themselves, I couldn’t wait.
When I sat down to learn a bit more, I realized that as usual, all that I could imagine wanting to know would be available to me on YouTube. However, I didn’t really want to know what YouTube had to say about them. And I imagine that you’d rather hear what our local friends have to say too. Whether it was my neighbor, my cook, a tailor or a teacher, everyone had pretty much the same thing to say about each tree.
Today, let's talk all things Palaash!
The blooms of the Palaash tree are one of a kind. The first time I saw a palaash tree in bloom, I remember thinking how much it looked like it’s common English name: Flame of the Forest. Each bloom has sharply shaped petals that point upwards, like an elongated triangle or beak. The blooms cluster together on the branches of the tree and range from yellow to deep orangey-red. Like a tree on fire.
The petals of the flowers can be used to dye fabric, although it is a weak dye and not often used due to lack of knowledge regarding the correct method. Though not as popular today, the petals were often boiled to create colored water and used during the festival of Holi.
The leaves of the Palaash tree are large and broad, always growing in clusters of three. There is a local saying:
“ कई भी करी लो, पर खाकडा रा पाना तो तीन रा तीन ईस रेवे “
“No matter what you do, there will always be three leaves on the Palaash tree.”
In the past, and in some places to this day, the leaves of the Palaash tree are used to create plates and bowls for big events like weddings. Maybe some of the first disposable plates! Biodegradable too. :) We loved featuring them in our photo shoot for the Nature Collection.
I love the Palaash tree for it’s unique blooms, it’s crooked trunk and vibrant colors. Like the Khejari and Neem tree, the leaves, flowers and bark of the Palaash tree are used for medicinal purposes as well. In fact, it’s hard to find a tree that’s leaves, flowers, bark and fruit are not used for something practical, beautiful and healthful! The Palaash tree is a flame that will brighten your day in all the right ways.
Bye for now!
-Sarah
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