Semal tree

The bark of the Silk cotton tree (Bombax ceiba L.), locally known as the Semal tree, is used for bonfires during Holika Dahan festivities in Rajasthan.

About the Semal trees:

• Native to India, the Semal tree is a large deciduous tree distinguished by its crimson red flowers and is also known by names such as Cotton tree, Bombax, and Indian Kapok.
• It is a fire-resistant tree with cooling properties, featuring a spiked trunk and fluffy seed pods.
• Ecologically, it provides habitat and food for various species including rock bees, moth Bucculatrix crateracma, and golden-crowned sparrows, and supports animals like Hanuman langurs and Indian crested porcupines.
• The tree has multiple uses: its parts like roots, flowers, fruits, seeds, stem, bark, and gum are medicinally valuable for treating conditions such as diabetes; tribal communities such as the Kathodi, Bhil, and Garasia utilize it for making musical instruments, utensils, and for food, fodder, and fuel wood; its seeds are used to produce edible oil for soaps, and its wood is used to manufacture plywood, match boxes, and canoes.
• Its conservation status is protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980

Ref: Source