We were driving to Sasan Gir from the airport in Rajkot. We were on our way hoping to see lions in their natural habitat. Entering Sasan, it is difficult to miss these Kesudo trees. Red, with hardly any leaves, they are aptly called the 'Flame of the forest'. Especially within the forest, where the predominant colors are brown and yellow, these shocking plumes of red draw your attention. Sasan Gir is the largest dry deciduous forest in Western India. We collected a few fallen flowers and had to contend with the ants who were feasting within and they raced all over us, punishing us for this intrusion. I think the shape of the flower gives the tree its other name- Parrot tree.
Under the trees the fallen flowers carpeted the area - an oasis of color in a tiring hot vision of burnt scrub and fallen dried leaves. The flowers are used prepare a traditional Holi color and used to dye fabric.The gum from this tree is known as Bengal Kino and is considered to be a good astringent by druggists. The tannin in the gum makes it popular with leather workers.The driver informed us people bathe in the water where the flowers have been soaked to cure skin ailments.
The high point of these travels are the new places we see, the people we meet, the food we taste and the birds and trees we befriend.
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