Some phenomena of nature are so strange that they seem the result of fantasy: the White biilawathe protagonist of this story, is one of these. Imagine having a small dark seed between the fingers, with an apparently “innocent” air, which however hides a secret: in fact, it is enough to bring a flame closer and, in a flash, takes fire, without the need for paper, without the need for additional fuel. A real show of natural chemistry that leaves anyone who observes it open -mouthed.
Why does it happen? Which secrets hides this fruit as fascinating as it is dangerous? Let’s see it together.
A plant with a thousand surprises
White Bhilawa, also known as Bilwa, comes from Semecarpus Anacardiumplant belonging to the family of Anacardiaceae and widespread in the hottest regions of India and Nepal. A species strictly related to the anachdio and which produces fruits with very particular characteristics.
Observing the plant, you can immediately notice the imposing dimensions: it can reach 25 meters in height and has a gray cortex with irregular flakes. The leaves, large and shiny, decorate its branches alternating with elegance, while the white-greenish flowers sprout between May and June, giving an unexpected chromatic contrast.
The fruit of the semecarpus anacardium is equally curious: it has a false red-orange fruit with a sweet pulp and a black core, which turns out to be toxic. The latter contains the mysterious seed, namely the Bianwa Bianwa, the protagonist of our history.
A seed that takes fire: the scientific explanation
At first glance, it may seem magic, in reality it is chemistry. White Bhilawa is rich in highly flammable natural oils which, when exposed to heat, evaporate rapidly and, under certain conditions, can lower the temperature necessary for ignition.
The phenomenon occurs for a combination of factors:
In practice, white biilawa works as a sort of natural bait, capable of inflaming itself with extreme ease. It is not difficult to imagine how this feature has fueled popular myths and beliefs over the centuries.
Between myths and traditions
White Bhilawa is an interesting scientific phenomenon, but it is also a central element of traditional Indian culture. In the past, it was used in rituals, often as a symbol of purification or divine power. The ability to burn in an instant made it particularly suitable for all those ceremonies related to the so -called sacred fire.
In addition, the Europeans called him “marking nut”, because his oil was used to mark fabrics and clothing before washing: the impressed sign was indelible, so much so that it was exploited as a natural ink.
Between poison and medicine
But be careful not to be fooled: behind the charm of white biilawa there is also a dark side. As already mentioned above, the black part of the fruit contains toxic substances inside which can cause serious allergic reactions: contact with the skin can cause painful blisters, while ingestion is not recommended if the seed is not adequately treated.
Yet, in Ayurvedic medicine (traditional medicine used in India since ancient times, still very practiced today) the semecarpus anacardium is considered a truly exceptional remedy. It is used to improve fertility, treat digestive problems and even to balance the so -called “Kapha Doater”, or one of the three biological moods according to the Indian tradition. Obviously, therapeutic use requires meticulous preparation, because without purification the seed is dangerous.
A show to be handled with care
It is difficult not to be fascinated by white biilawa: a seed so small yet capable of turning on instantly, like a sudden spark. Observing combustion is a show, but attention must be paid. Playing with fire is always risky, especially when dealing with nature and its most hidden secrets.
What if you happen to find one in your hands? Better not to try experiments without the necessary precautions. After all, it is nice that certain mysteries remain such, at least a little.
We leave you to a video showing the curious phenomenon:
