Description

🌳 The Golden Shower Tree, scientifically known as Cassia fistula, is a stunning tropical tree celebrated for its vibrant yellow blossoms and cultural significance.

🌼 Key Features

• Flowers: Long, drooping clusters of bright yellow flowers bloom from April to July, creating a spectacular “shower” effect.
• Leaves: Deciduous, with compound leaves that shed before flowering.
• Fruit: Cylindrical seed pods up to 60 cm long, turning dark brown when mature.
• Height: Typically grows 10–20 meters tall, though some specimens reach up to 40 meters.

🌍 Native Range & Cultural Importance

• Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
• Known as Kanikonna in Malayalam and is the state flower of Kerala.
• Plays a central role in the Vishu festival, where its flowers are used in the traditional “Vishukkani” arrangement.
• It’s also the national tree and flower of Thailand, symbolizing royalty and prosperity.

🌱 Growing Conditions

• Thrives in warm, dry climates with full sun.
• Prefers well-drained soil and is relatively drought-tolerant.
• Commonly grown as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.

🧪 Medicinal & Practical Uses

• In Ayurveda, known as Aragvadha (“disease killer”)—used for its purgative properties.
• The wood is durable and has been used in construction and tool-making.
• Flowers and leaves are sometimes used as fodder or in traditional remedies.