Laburnum, Indian
Cassia fistula
Family: Caesalpiniaceae
Perennial tree. Native to India. We have had great success
with growing these from seed. They are among the most beautiful of
flowered trees, not unlike the Golden Chain Tree, but truly unique.
Deciduous tree, with straight trunk and spreading branches bearing pendulous
black pods. The flowers are lovely, five petaled with prominent,
upward curving stamens. The tree is commonly planted in gardens and
in public places. Indian Laburnum is cold hardy and grows up to an
elevation of 4,000 feet in the Himalayas. The pulp of the pods contains
anthroquinone glycosides, similar in activity to Rhubarb, providing
a safe and effective laxative. The leaves are used as a fresh poultice
to treat ringworm. Cultivation: Extra care. Scarify, then
dropped in just-boiled water and allow to soak overnight before sowing
in a warm place. Average germ 8 days. Grow out for a year or 2 in pots
before transplanting. Cold hardy. Grows from 10 to 35
feet tall.
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