Rare white palash

 

Rare White Palash in Purulia: A Unique Gift from Nature

🔸 As spring arrives, the forests of Purulia adorn themselves in the fiery hues of the Palash tree. However, this year, a new wonder has joined the vibrant reds and oranges—the rare White Palash! With the discovery of at least 15 White Palash trees in the district, local administration and the forest department have taken special initiatives for their conservation. This exquisite creation of nature has not only piqued the interest of plant researchers but is also attracting tourists.

🔸 Discovery and Conservation Initiatives for White Palash:

▪️ In 2023, a teacher from the Arsha block, Ujjwal Kumar Dutta, first discovered this rare tree, and once images of it spread on social media, it created a significant stir. Following this, the forest department listed 15 White Palash trees scattered across Hura, Pundag, Bandowan, Balarampur, Bagmundi, Raghunathpur, and Ajoy Hill regions for conservation. Already, barbed wire fencing has been installed around these trees, and strict surveillance is being maintained under the supervision of the forest department.

▪️ Not only conservation but the forest department and plant researchers are also planning to increase the number of White Palash through tissue culture and vegetative propagation (artificial reproduction) to create saplings. This will enable this rare plant to expand further in the future.

🔸 The significance of White Palash is not limited to its rarity; researchers believe that this plant is rich in medicinal properties. Dr. Subrata Raha, head of the Botany Department at Sidho-Kanho-Birsa University, has stated that the extracts of this tree contain compounds like gallic and tannic acids, which can aid in curing various diseases. Research is ongoing to explore its potential role in cancer prevention as well.

🔸 However, another reason for people's interest in this tree lies in local rumors that its bark and resin are used in various herbal medicines and even in treating infertility. Although the scientific basis for these claims has yet to be established, its rarity continues to increase its value.

🔸 Purulia has long been famous for its red Palash trees. During spring, tourists from various parts of the country flock to see this fiery-hued landscape. Now, with the addition of the White Palash, there is even more interest in the tourism industry.

🔸 Dr. Samrendra Nath Khara, Deputy Director of Horticulture in the state, has mentioned that the White Palash has only been found in Purulia; its existence elsewhere is still uncertain. Therefore, special initiatives for the conservation of this rare plant are crucial. If the forest department's plans succeed, Purulia will become renowned not only for its red-orange Palash but also for its White Palash.

🔸 This rare gift from nature is a matter of pride for all of us. The White Palash can play a significant role not only in plant science research but also in tourism and environmental conservation. If the initiatives of the forest department and public awareness work together, it will be possible to conserve this rare tree, and one day perhaps the White Palash of Purulia will capture the attention of people worldwide for its beauty and qualities.
#purulia #palash

(Collected)