Nashik: Rare Yellow Palas Blooms In Mamdapur Forest; Don't Miss Pictures

In a delightful spectacle, the Mamdapur forest reserve area in Yeola taluka, located approximately 100 km from Nashik city, has witnessed the flourishing of rare Yellow Palas trees alongside the famed blackbucks. Spread across Rajapur, Kharwandi, Devdari, and Somtanjosh, this sanctuary spans 544.955 hectares and is specially developed for the conservation of blackbucks, renowned as the symbol of the Indian subcontinent.

The reserve, teeming with a thriving population of blackbucks under protection, has become a haven for nature enthusiasts and tourists alike, owing to its proximity to cities like Shirdi, Aurangabad, and Ahmednagar. The Flame of the Forest, the Palas tree, has adorned various parts of the sanctuary, captivating visitors with its vibrant blooms.

Of particular fascination is the rare Yellow Palas tree, drawing attention to the Mamdapur-Rajapur forest reserve. Also known as Butea Monosperma or Flame of the Forest, this medium-sized tree native to India boasts a distinctive appearance characterized by its grey bark, irregular branches, and crooked trunk. Its pinnate leaves, famously referred to in the Hindi saying 'dhaak ke teen paat,' consist of three leaflets each.

Typically, the Yellow Palas tree remains devoid of flowers until January, with its leaves shedding only thereafter. However, from January to March, it undergoes a stunning transformation as it becomes adorned with clusters of orange-vermilion flowers. These flowers, with their five petals and beak-shaped keel, attract birds, which serve as the primary pollinators.

The flowering of the Yellow Palas tree, also known as the Tree of the Flame, adds to the biodiversity and visual allure of the Mamdapur-Rajapur sanctuary, enriching the natural landscape and providing a mesmerizing spectacle for visitors and conservationists alike. Under the vigilant guardianship of the officers and staff of the Yeola Forest Range of Nashik East Forest Department, this protected area continues to thrive, showcasing the beauty and splendor of India's rich flora and fauna.

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