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| Cassia fistula - Golden Shower Tree |
Cassia fistula common name is Golden Shower Tree. This is native to South Asia and in tropical and subtropical countries. This is large flowering and ornamental tree. Golden Shower tree is a full sun tolerant tree. This is an evergreen first growing plant and grows to 10 – 15 m (33 – 50 ft). The well-spaced branches are clothed with innately compound leaves, with leaflets up to eight inches long and 2.5 inches wide. In summer, Golden Shower Tree is decorated with thick clusters of showy yellow blooms which cover the slightly drooping branches. When full blooms it is looking so beautiful and flowers look like shower, so it called Golden Shower Tree. This tree produces a dark brown bean-pod 30-60 cm long filled with a sticky pulp and 40-100 hard brown seeds.
Young trees can grow asymmetrical with branches often drooping toward the ground. Staking and proper pruning will help develop a well shaped and structured crown.
It has great value in medicine. It is known as aragvadha, meaning "disease killer". The root is considered a purgative, and self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts. The flesh of the fruit is used as a laxative, while the bark can be used to treat skin infections.
