The magnificent Golden Shower tree blooming profusely.

The magnificent Golden Shower tree blooming profusely.

In the past week, Bangkok may be awashed with red shirts but it is the yellow flowers blooming all over Bangkok that should really be dominating the scene. At this time of the year, the Golden Shower trees Casia Fistula, that are conspicuously and widely planted in Bangkok are now in full bloom. I would rather think of this beautiful yellow cascading flowers than the red shirts that are bringing much discomfort and weariness to the people in Bangkok.

The blooming Golden Shower tree as seen in Otis Street in Manila. Everytime I see this tree that is sparsely planted in Manila, I am reminded of Thailand.

The blooming Golden Shower tree as seen in Otis Street in Manila. Everytime I see this tree that is sparsely planted in Manila, I am reminded of Thailand.

The Golden Shower tree is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to southern Asia, from southern Pakistan east through India to Myanmar and south to Sri Lanka. Its blossom is the national flower of Thailand and its yellow color is associated with the Thai monarchy.

Being so conspicuous and widely planted, this tree has a number of common names. In English, it is usually known as Golden Shower Tree or Golden Shower Cassia. Other, less unambiguous names include Indian Laburnum, or Drumstick Tree. It is known in Spanish-speaking countries as Caña Fistula.

A large Golden Shower tree reaching out to the sky.

A large Golden Shower tree reaching out to the sky.

It is a medium-sized tree growing to 10-20 m tall with fast growth. The leaves are deciduous or semi-evergreen, 15-60 cm long, pinnate with 3-8 pairs of leaflets, each leaflet 7-21 cm long and 4-9 cm broad. The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes 20-40 cm long, each flower 4-7 cm diameter with five yellow petals of equal size and shape. The fruit is a legume is 30-60 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm broad, with a pungent odour and containing several seeds. The seeds are poisonous.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Golden Shower Tree is known as aragvadha (“disease killer”). Its fruitpulp is used as mild laxative, against fevers, arthritis, vatavyadhi (nervous system diseases), all kinds of rakta-pitta (bleeding, such as hematemesis or hemorrhages), as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux. The root is considered a very strong purgative, and self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts.