The golden shower tree, with the scientific name Cassia fistula, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is a drought-tolerant tropical tree that grows in warm regions such as India, Thailand, and Pakistan. Cassia fistula is cultivated for ornamental and medicinal reasons due to its naturally flamboyant blooms and the numerous uses of its legumes, leaves, and bark. This medium-sized tropical tree can rapidly grow to heights of around 60 feet (18 m). Its foliage is composed of dark green, oval-shaped leaves about 6 inches (15 cm) in length and grouped together in six to eight pairs.
Common names for this deciduous tree are purging cassia, golden chain tree, and Indian laburnum. There are around 500 other species in the Cassia genus, to which the golden shower tree belongs. The golden yellow flowers of this tree assemble into long chain-like clusters on soft, woody branches and measure between 1.5 to 2.7 inches (about 4 to 7 cm) each in diameter. During late spring, these five-petaled flowers overtake the entire tree, almost leaving the leaves unnoticeable. The tree also bears elongated green legumes, usually about 2 feet (0.6 m) long. The legumes hold several seeds, which often are used as an alternative medicinal remedy for multiple conditions.
The golden shower tree grows in great numbers, especially in India and Thailand. Gardens and backyards in these countries often have one or two of these deciduous plants. Some special events in this plant’s native regions incorporate decorations made with golden shower tree blossoms, particularly in Thailand, because many people there consider the color yellow a symbol for royalty. Cassia fistula is also the national flower of Thailand.
Numerous regions in southern Asia make use of the golden shower tree as a traditional herbal cure for some ailments. Its roots have been used to treat skin diseases and burns, while its bark is crushed or boiled to relieve constipation and indigestion. The pulp of the tree’s legumes is also utilized to cure colic and fever. Dry cough and bronchitis, on the other hand, are alleviated by infusing the leaves into warm beverages. Large doses of the leaves and bark can, however, lead to vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Aside from its medicinal uses, pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and small birds also benefit from golden shower trees by utilizing them as food and shelter. Wild-growing golden shower trees have been spotted in the Himalayas as well. Taller specimens of this species can be seen when it grow in its natural settings, such as forests and valleys.
