Butea

Butea, an Indian genus of Leguminosæ, sub-order Papilionaceæ, with long standard and compressed one-seeded pod. The best known species are B. frondosa (Dhak-tree) and B. superba. These trees present a gorgeous sight when covered with racemes of large orange-scarlet flowers. They yield a resinous exudation, which occurs in the form of lurid red tears, often covering the twigs, and is sometimes also called Bengal Kino (see KINO). The lac insect frequents the Dhak-tree, and yields a form of stick-lac (see LAC). The bark and roots are very fibrous, and the fibre is used for calking boats. The flowers, called Tecosoo or Keesoo, yield a beautiful yellow or orange dye.