Fire Flame Bush - Woodfordia Fruticosa

The Fire Flame Bush, scientifically known as Woodfordia fruticosa and belonging to the Lythraceae family, is celebrated for its medicinal qualities. Known locally as "Dhai Ful" or "Dhatri Ful" and recognized by various names in Sanskrit such as Dhawai, Dhatriful, Dhatki, Taamrapushpi, Agnibala, Dhawri, and Bohinjala, this plant is widely appreciated for its therapeutic properties.

Description: The Fire Flame Bush is a spreading, deciduous shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It features numerous branches and smooth, reddish-brown bark. The leaves are about 5-7 cm long, ovate-lance-shaped, and covered with trichomes on both sides. They are almost sessile, with a slightly rounded base. The flowers, which bloom in January, are bright red, small, cylindrical, and slightly curved, measuring around 2 cm. The clusters of flowers bloom along each branch, creating a striking red cascade that often obscures the leaves. The seeds are small and mustard-like, enclosed in yellow fruit that ripens in 4-5 months and can be dried and preserved.

Medicinal Uses: The Fire Flame Bush has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its flowers, leaves, and branches offer numerous health benefits:

• Antidote for gallbladder disease
• Treatment for dysentery, blood dysentery, and liver diseases
• Wound healing
• Production of dyes

Additionally, a type of gum can be extracted from the plant.

Practical Uses: The robust, brown wood of the Fire Flame Bush is used to manufacture various items, including:

• House poles and rafters
• Vehicle and boat parts
• Machine handles, yokes, and spinning wheels
• Agricultural tools and furniture
• High-quality charcoal

Cultivation: Fire Flame Bush thrives in sandy-loam soil. It is native to India and is commonly found in the forests of Chattogram, Chittagong Hill Tracts, and Sylhet in our country, with occasional sightings in the northern regions. The plant is not considered endangered or threatened. Seedlings can be propagated from seeds, with optimal planting distances being 5-7 feet apart.

The Fire Flame Bush is a versatile and valuable plant, offering a blend of medicinal benefits, practical uses, and vibrant beauty to the landscapes where it grows.