Cassia javanica, often called the Pink Shower Tree, Apple Blossom Tree, or Rainbow Shower Tree, is a beautiful, fast-growing deciduous or semi-deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia (including Java, Malaysia, and Thailand). The plant's stunning floral displays lead people to cultivate it widely in tropical and subtropical regions.
Size and Form: It's a medium to large-sized tree, typically growing 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) tall, but can reach up to 30-40 meters (98-130 feet) in its natural habitat. It forms a wide-spreading, often flat-topped crown with graceful, somewhat drooping branches.
Foliage: The leaves are feather-like, with 5-12 pairs of small, oblong to ovate, green leaflets. It is briefly deciduous just before or during its peak flowering season.
Flowers: Its most striking feature is the profusion of showy flowers that bloom in large, pendulous clusters (racemes). The flowers are typically shades of pink, ranging from pale pink to deep magenta, and often have a mix of white and creamy tones, creating a "rainbow" effect. Each flower has five delicate petals and prominent yellow stamens. They are often aromatic and attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Fruit: After flowering, it produces long, cylindrical, complex, woody seed pods, typically 20-60 cm (8-24 inches) in length, that turn dark brown upon maturity and contain numerous bean-like seeds.
Habitat and Uses: Cassia javanica thrives in full sun and well-drained soils in warm, humid climates. It's a very popular ornamental tree for parks, gardens, and street plantings due to its spectacular blooms, which provide good shade. The wood also serves general construction and furniture purposes, and its ripe pods and seeds provide traditional medicinal uses as a laxative.