Pench is a mixed deciduous forest, with some very dry scrub like patches as well as areas around the river valley that are green for most parts of the year. The park is a delightful mix of large grasslands, rocky outcrops and tree thickets. Teak is the dominant specie of tree here. In some stretches teak trees grow densely together blocking all sunlight with their large leaves thus making the forest floor devoid of undergrowth. Flame of the forest, Tendu, Mahua, Wild Mango and Neem are some of the other common trees seen here. A patch of forest on a slope is interestingly dominated by Bhirra (Choloroxylon sweitenia), a short hardy tree with small spherical leaves. Bhirra is sought after by locals, who burn the leaves inside their home as a mosquito repellent. Numerous gigantic Banyan trees said to be over a hundred years old are seen at several places along with other species of figs like Peepal and Pilkhan. While there are many species of plants, grasses and trees in Pench, one of the most iconic of all the flora found here is the ‘Kullu’ or the ghost tree (also known as the Karaya gum tree). Growing on rocky surfaces, this white tree with a smooth trunk seems to glow on moonlit nights, earning the sobriquet of a ghost. The backwaters of the river Pench leave behind fertile floodplains that support nourishing grasses for the deer and antelopes. The hilly areas with rocky outcrops are leopard sighting hotspots, while the park as a whole is excellent tiger habitat.