This is our own Cassia fistula, the Amaltas or Bahava tree. Like golden chandeliers, its flowers hang down from its branches, gradually edging out the leaves till the entire tree shines like a sun on earth because of the profuse flowering. Gently, these flowers drop down to the ground below, coating the earth with an amber carpet, only to be replaced by newer ones each day.
These trees make excellent avenue plantation options, looking a sight when in full bloom, stretching along roads. They do not look half as bad as the centre-piece of a garden either!
The Golden Shower tree is native to the Indian subcontinent, and has many a medicinal use. In fact, as per the Ayurveda, it is the Aragvadha, meaning ‘disease killer.’ Being a native species with well-documented drought-hardiness and fast growth rate, it is also a suitable candidate for eco-restoration. Besides, it is a powerful attractant for bees and butterflies, especially being the larval host plant for grass yellow, emigrant and silverline butterflies. Also, in the forest, its seeds are dispersed by an animal resembling it closely in colour – the golden jackal!