Synonyms: 

Bactyrilobium fistula Willd.

Cassia bonplandiana DC.

Systematic Position

Kingdom:  Plantae

Phylum: Tracheophyta

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Native: South Asia

Common Names

English – Golden Shower Tree

Malayalam – കണിക്കൊന്ന

Description: Cassia fistula is a flowering tree known for its long clusters of yellow flowers and is commonly called the golden shower tree. It is a small to medium-sized tree that typically grows to 10-15m height with spreading branches. Flowers are born on large drooping racemes, yellow in color. State tree of Kerala.

Habitat: Found in tropical and subtropical regions.

Distribution: Central America, West Indies, northern South America.

Uses: Bark is extensively used in Ayurveda to treat inflammatory swellings and used as a cleaning agent for ulcers and wounds. It is believed to decrease purulent discharge and act as a local antiseptic. The fruits are also used as a laxative. It has potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, hepatoprotective activities.