Tree Directory

Common Name

Golden Shower Tree

Family

Caesalpinioideae

Origin & Distribution

Native to South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar) and Southeast Asia, Senna fistula is now widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide as an ornamental. In Nigeria, it is planted in parks, gardens, and along roadsides for its decorative yellow flowers.

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Tree Code

UI-BG-TS-032

GPS Coordinates (Lat, Long)

7.456576, 3.894444

QR Code

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Description

Medium-sized deciduous tree, 10–15 m tall. Trunk usually straight, bark greyish to light brown, slightly rough. Leaves are pinnate, with 4–8 pairs of ovate-lanceolate leaflets, each 4–8 cm long. Flowers are bright golden yellow, borne in large pendulous racemes up to 40 cm long, appearing in profusion during flowering season (usually at the end of dry season before leaf flush). Fruits are cylindrical, dark brown pods 30–60 cm long, containing numerous black seeds separated by resinous partitions.

Ecological Information

Prefers full sunlight and thrives in well-drained loamy or sandy soils. Tolerates dry periods but flowers best in climates with a distinct dry season. Pollinated mainly by bees. Seeds are dispersed by gravity and occasionally by animals.

Uses & Importance

Ornamental: Popular for its striking golden flowers, making it a preferred choice for landscaping and avenue planting. Medicinal: In traditional medicine, the pulp from pods is used as a mild laxative; bark, leaves, and roots have medicinal applications. Cultural: National tree of Thailand and state flower of Kerala (India).