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GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1800
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
15 m
Spread
:
15 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
pink, dark red,
dark pink
Size
:
3 cm
Period
:
March - April
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
pod
Fruit size
:
60 cm
The Apple Blossom Shower, or khiyar baladi in Arabic, is a deciduous, flat-topped tree with pin-
nate leaves. It grows comparatively quickly to 15 metres or more, and has a canopy of a similar
size. The branches droop gracefully and may even sweep the ground. Oblong leaflets are some 5
cm long and arranged even-pinnate on midribs of up to 70 cm in length. It is not easy to trace
back the natural area of distribution, because this tree has long been planted for ornamental
purposes. Java and Sumatra would appear to be their native islands. Not often seen in Arriyadh,
where frosts may lead to severe damage, their natural habitat ranges from evergreen or deciduous
forests to savannah-like habitats. For a period of about six weeks, showy pink, slightly fragrant
flowers appear on racemes in spring while the twigs are still bare. Numerous flat seeds mature
in pods that may reach 60 cm in length. This tree may naturalise where its requirements are
met. Propagation is common by scarified seeds. They may also be used for medicinal purposes
as a laxative, but can also cause emesis. Its reddish wood may serve for construction purposes.
A number of subspecies are cultivated in tropical climates. Cassia javanica ssp. agnes is a highly
ornamental subspecies with larger flowers. It is suitable for urban areas and may grow along
roads as long as the pods do not litter trafficked areas. Wind exposure may damage the brittle
branches. Chlorosis often occurs as a result of iron deficiency. Pruning is best done at the end of
spring, after flowering.
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Cassia javanica,
Caesalpiniaceae
Apple Blossom Shower,
khiyar baladi