Shimul

Shimul (Semal): Bengali derivative of the flower/tree called Semal, often also called the silk-cotton tree. The petals of the Semal flower are usually bright crimson or blood red, have a very soft and smooth texture, and have cotton inside their pods. Semal/Shimul trees are often associated with the supernatural; according to folklore, these trees are some of the best places to find spirits, duppies and other supernatural entities. It is a symbol for great dichotomy, yet ultimately used for healing. This is ultimately a rarely used word/term, most people simply using the word Semal instead.