Common names: Pink Shower Tree, Java Cassia, Apple Blossom Tree Botanical name: Cassia javanica Family: Fabaceae

Plant type: Deciduous to semi-evergreen flowering tree Flower colour: Pink, rose-pink and sometimes whitish-pink Height: Around 10–20 m

Plant care:

• Sun: Full sun

• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil

• Water: Moderate; keep consistently watered when young

• Temperature: Tropical and subtropical climates

• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape

• Propagation: Seeds

Seed germination: Soak seeds in warm water for 12–24 hours before sowing. Sow about 1–2 cm deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep warm and moist. Germination generally occurs within a few weeks.

Uses: A highly ornamental flowering tree, Cassia javanica is famous for its spectacular masses of pink flowers. It is widely used for avenues, parks, gardens and large landscape plantings.