Moulmein Rosewood

Milletia peguensis

A medium sized tree with irregular but dense crown, quite striking in March-April for its purplish-mauve flowers in drooping clusters.

Leaves: Oppositely arranged 3-4 pairs of light green “matte-finish” leaflets with a slightly larger terminal one.

Bark: Ashy to pale brown, smooth

Flower: Purple-mauve tine pea-like flowers in drooping clusters

Fruit: 2-4’’ flat woody pod green at first, pale brown when mature

Seasons: Leaves shed Feb-Mar. Flowers and new leaves soon thereafter. Fruits appear in Apr-may and remains in the tree for many months.

Range/Habitat: Native of relative dry forests of Myanmar, Thailand. Introduce in India for its showy flowers (potentially invasive)

Where to Find: In the south-west section of Rabindra sarovar. After entering from BRC gate, take the first footpath on your left and continue till you are some 20 feet from the lake. There is a small Moulmein rosewood tree on your left (22.50967N, 88.35547E).