Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Golden shower, Golden tree, Golden pipe tree, Golden rain tree, Pudding-pipe tree, Purging cassia, Purging fistula, Indian laburnum, Kanikkonna
The name Golden shower suits this tree so beautifully. When in bloom, the entire tree is covered with bright golden flowers, and actually looks like a golden shower. These trees are a native to India and seen very commonly in South India.
Golden shower trees grow to a height of 15-20 meters with bright green leaves having 6-8 pairs of large leaflets, each 10-20 cms long. The trunk grows relatively straight for about 5 meters, and then branches well, giving the tree a rounded crown. The bark is pale grey when the tree is small, but turns dark brown and rough when the tree grows older.
In flowering season, the entire tree is covered with bright yellow flowers hanging downwards on racemes that are about 50 centimeters long. The flowers have 5 equal-sized petals, is fragrant and attractive for birds, bees and insects. Some tree flowers so profusely that were would be no leaves on the tree, only large bunches of flowers.
The seed pods are about 60 cms long, initially green and cylindrical, turning black on maturity. These seedpods contain rows of small compartments, each containing a small brown seed, which is dispersed through water or animals.
Golden shower trees are mostly grown as ornamental trees, but they also have many medicinal uses. The ripe pods and seeds with the pulp from it, is used as a laxative. The leaves and bark has antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and is used in healing of wounds.
The seedpods are used in treatment of malaria, dysentery, diabetes, kidney stones, worm infections, skin problems, fever and ulcers.
Tender flowers can be eaten raw or fried. Leaves are used as cattle fodder. The bark is quite strong and is used in making small agricultural implements, cabinetry, pillars, carts, fence posts, handles etc. They are also used for tanning, dyeing; and for fuel and charcoal.
Since it is a fast-growing tree, the Golden Shower tree can be used for reforestation of barren areas. It’s drought-tolerant and requires very little attention once the tree is established in the soil.
Golden shower tree is the national tree and flower of Thailand, and the state flower of Kerala, the southernmost state of India. During Vishu, one of the popular festivals of Kerala, golden shower flowers are used in decorations. They are also used in temple decorations or hung outside the houses to bring good luck. The tree has been featured in stamps, and has great cultural significance in Asian countries.
Propagation is from seeds, and also through suckers that grow around the parent tree.
