Amaltas, The Golden Shower Tree

This post is second in the Native Trees of Pakistan series.

Cassia Fistula (Buy seeds online) or Amaltas is one of the loveliest flowering trees of our region. Also known as the Indian Laburnum, Amaltas is closely related to the English Laburnum but the flowers of Amaltas are brighter, denser and more beautiful than those of its English cousin.

Photo by: homestretching.blogspot.com

The tree drops most of its leaves in winter and starts producing shining green leaves in early summer. The feathery leaves of Cassia Fistula are usually large and wide. Soon the plant starts blooming that can last till the end of summer season.  During the flowering season, the whole tree is covered with large clusters of uncountable delicate yellow flowers. The profuse and bright flowers of Amaltas shine bright under the hot sun of summer and make a spectacular show. Delicate flowers drop to cover the ground turning it in to a yellow carpet, that is why, Cassia Fistula is also called The Golden Shower tree.

Amaltas, Cassia Fistula or the Indian Laburnum can be grown easily from seeds. This sun loving plant can reach the size of 10 to 20 meters and grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Because of its size, it is not suitable for small lawns but makes an excellent show when planted along the roads. The Laburnum Road in Mumbai has been exclusively lined with Amaltas trees.