ClimateSeptember 1, 2026
semal
SEM-ul
Definition
A large, deciduous tree native to tropical Asia, known for its showy, bright red, cup-shaped flowers that drop from the branches.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Hindi 'semal,' which originates from the Sanskrit 'salmali,' referring to the silk-cotton tree.
In the news
The author uses the semal tree as an example of how wild nature persistently occupies human spaces in cities, such as when its large flowers drop onto cars in hospital parking lots.
The Joy and Meaning of Living With City-Savvy Wild Creatures
Read the full article ↗Psychology Today