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Golden Rain Tree, Golden Shower Tree

Golden Rain Tree, Golden Shower Tree
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Invasive Plant
Golden Rain Tree, Golden Shower Tree
Cassia fistula
 

A highly attractive ornamental tree that typifies the tropics in many respects. Known by a number of common names, including Indian Laburnum, it is native to south-east Asia and is a medium to large tree to 8 m that produces masses of bright golden flowers in clusters on almost every branch. Unfortunately it has become a major weed threat in many areas.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • Following its prolific flowering, this tree produces an abundance of fertile seeds carried in brown pods. These are readily spread beyond the garden fence by birds. Seeds germinate readily wherever they are dropped, making it highly invasive.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Tuckeroo
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Trees and Shrubs
 

A very hardy native tree growing to a height of about 8 m by 5 m wide. It will perform well in even quite harsh conditions including poor soils, salt wind exposure, and air pollution. It has leathery leaves and produces small creamy-yellow to green-yellow flower clusters on the ends of branches, followed by orangeyellow berries each containing one black seed. It is an excellent tree for screening and street planting and is also a known host for at least eight species of native butterflies.

Weeping Rosewood
Photo: Tim West
Alternative Plant Weeping Rosewood
Pterocarpus indicus 'Pendula'
Trees and Shrubs
 

A weeping or pendulous form of the Indian Rosewood, this deciduous tree has a spreading habit especially if pruned occasionally. This beautiful ornamental tree produces glossy green pinnate leaves with up to nine leaflets on arching branches. The profuse, small, yellow peashaped flowers with crumpled petals generally cover the entire tree from October - December and make it an attractive addition to any tropical garden. As its common name suggests, its wood is highly fragrant and, when used in an infusion, is said to fluoresce. The bark yields a red dye and a sticky, oily gum. A very hardy tree well adapted to dry conditions.

Yellow Flame Tree
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Yellow Flame Tree
Peltophorum pterocarpum
Trees and Shrubs
 

A coastal native species that is prominent throughout Asia (Pantropic). Frequently planted as a shade tree in urban landscapes as well as gardens. A large tree to 10–15 m or more with a slightly flattened top, it has dark green leaves and terminal, branched clusters of brilliant yellow flowers (August - January) that stand well clear of the foliage. These are followed by highly decorative copperybronze seed pods. Its bark is used to produce yellow-brown dye for batik in S.E. Asia.

 
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