Indian Laburnum is and known as ‘Golden Shower’ Tree.
Indian Laburnum tree Mughul kings of India had it in their gardens. They wore them as bracelets on their wrists It is also mentioned in the many romances of olden days. It is abundantly found in the Shalimar gardens of Lahore.
Indian Laburnum tree is also one of the few trees mentioned in the Hindu texts It is known not just for its beauty but also for its many miraculous properties too. Commonly known to Indians as the Indian Laburnum or The Tree with the Golden Shower it is seen to be very useful as it gives shade to the pedestrians on Indian roads
Golden Shower Tree
Also known the world over as the Pudding Pipe Tree it is seen to bloom during the spring in long trailing chandelier-like sprays with golden or yellow blossoms Thus this alternative name Pudding Pipe tree owes to its long hanging pipe shaped pods with shiny seeds in a dark brown
Indian Laburnum very commonly found in India this tree enjoys the status as the state flower of the southern state of Kerala and the national flower of Thailand It is thus regarded as a symbol of Thai royalty In Kerala it takes central stage in the state s new year called Vishu that is celebrated in March – April. In this part of the country it is also called ‘kam konna as it is said to be part of their lucky sight This kam kanal or lucky sight if religiously practiced is said to bring good fortune for the rest of the year.
“In Ayurvedic medicine, the golden shower tree is known as aragvadha, meaning “disease killer”. The fruit pulp is considered a purgative, self-medication or any use without medical supervision is strongly advised against in Ayurvedic texts.”
Indian Laburnum Blossom During Spring
Indian Laburnum flowers of this tree are seen to blossom during late spring. And when it flowers it is very prolific with the flowers occupying most of the tree other than the main branch Once the flowers of this tree are in full bloom one can hardly spot the leaves in the plant. The tree grows well in dry climates and is said to be drought resistant and Being a relative of the bean family it is known to have long seed pods.
Monkeys are responsible for the pollination and fertilization of these plants as these animals are quite fond of the sweet pulp found around the seeds in this tree. It is to be noted that the seeds of this plant are poisonous unlike the flesh
The pulp from these pods is used to flavor tobacco and is also a potent laxative that should not be consumed in large doses. The flower of this plant gives off a sharp but delightful smell
Apart from being a popular ornamental flower it also has a number of medicinal properties to its credit All parts of this tree are used for traditional medicinal preparations and hence considered very scared and special.
It is believed that it is for this reason that cattle and goats avoid the flowers and leaves of this tree Other than the flowers leaves and seeds the wood of this tree is greatly used as firewood and charcoal and the trunk wood is used to make fences and posts Also the trunk wood of this tree is used to make agricultural tools The bark is rich in tannins (an astringent), and is used to cure boils, leprosy ringworm and colic, to lessen constipation and diarrhea as well as dyspepsia and heart problems .
The elements of the roots of this tree are used to cure skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema The flowers of this tree are also good for curing skin diseases and acts by releasing toxins from the body thus cooling the body The roots also help to ease burning sensations, and to cure syphilis
The tree is also a good store house of minerals like manganese and iron amino acids like lysine and glutamine
The fruit of this tree has a lot of nutrients and energy that at present remains unused Thus it is seen that most parts of this tree are used for treating heart disorders. growth or tumors in the stomach glands, liver and throat Parts of this tree are used to cure delirium convulsions and any irritation in the different body organs Even though science has proved that the different parts of this plant haw high medicinal and healing properties it is advised that excess use of any part can induce vomiting aches in the stomach nausea and cramps.
