🌞 National treasure of Thailand: Golden Shower Tree

• ☀️ Cassia fistula - Golden Shower Tree is known as the national flower of Thailand. It is one of the most spectacular flowering trees for tropical and subtropical gardens.
• ☀️ From late spring through summer, it puts on a breathtaking display of golden-yellow flower clusters that hang in long, pendulous chains, often over a foot long. When in full bloom, the entire tree appears drenched in gold.
• ☀️ This deciduous tree drops its leaves in the dry season, allowing the brilliant flowers to take center stage. The leaves re-emerge after flowering, followed by long, dark brown seed pods that can reach up to two feet.
• ☀️ Cassia fistula is fast-growing, typically reaching 20-30 feet tall, and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. It prefers a dry season to initiate heavy blooming and is tolerant of drought once established.
• ☀️ Aside from its beauty, the tree has cultural and medicinal significance in Asia in Ayurvedic medicine.

☀️ Fun facts:

• Its golden flowers are often used in local festivals and ceremonies.
• It attracts bees and butterflies and provides seasonal shade.

📚 Learn more:

🍳 Would you like some Scrambled Eggs? Scrambled Egg Bush is a burst of sunshine, this splash of gold blooms on and on...

• 🌞 Senna surattensis (Cassia glauca) - Scrambled Egg Bush - produces vibrant, sunny yellow flowers that resemble scrambled eggs, adding a cheerful touch to your garden.
• 🌞 Long blooming season: flowers profusely throughout much of the year.
• 🌞 Compact: grows into a manageable, medium-sized shrub, perfect for smaller gardens or as a stunning focal point.
• 🌞 Low maintenance: easy to care for and requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
• 🌞 Drought tolerant: thrives in dry conditions once established, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• 🌞 Attracts Pollinators: draws bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.
• 🌞 Versatile: can be used as a standalone specimen, hedge, or in mixed borders for added interest.
• 🌞 Soil Improvement: enhances soil quality through nitrogen fixation, benefiting nearby plants.
• 🌞 Hardy and resilient: adapts well to cool winter, heat and poor soil.
• 🌞 Evergreen: retains its green leaves all year round, providing constant coverage and aesthetic appeal.

🍀 What is Cinnamon made of?

• Cinnamon tree, or Cassia Cinnamon, Cinnamomum aromaticum - this tree is the source of the famous Cinnamon! Cinnamon is a very popular culinary spice and is also used in candy, gum, incense, toothpaste and perfumes. The oil is used in medicine. Leaves are very fragrant and used as tea.
• Ancient Origins: Cinnamon has been used for over 4,000 years, with its earliest references found in ancient Egyptian texts, where it was used in embalming practices.
• Spice of Kings: In ancient Rome, cinnamon was so valuable that it was worth more than gold, and emperors like Nero famously burned large quantities at funerals to showcase their wealth.
• Medicinal: Cinnamon is known for its health benefits, including its ability to lower blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and fight bacteria and fungi.
• Culinary: This aromatic spice is not just for sweet dishes; it enhances savory dishes, stews, and even some meats, bridging sweet and savory flavors.
• Two Main Varieties: There are two primary types of cinnamon - Ceylon Cinnamon (true Cinnamon) and Cassia Cinnamon. Ceylon has a sweeter, more delicate flavor, while Cassia is more robust and commonly found in supermarkets.
• Aroma Activation: The distinct aroma of cinnamon comes from a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which not only provides flavor but also has potential antimicrobial properties.
• Historical Trade Routes: The demand for cinnamon spurred exploration and trade routes, leading to significant historical events like the Age of Discovery and conflicts over spice control.
• The Spice of Life: Cinnamon is believed to improve brain function and memory, making it a popular choice for students and those looking to boost cognitive performance.

🌻 What is a perfect shade tree with flower benefits? Discover the sunny Kassod Tree...

• 🟡 Cassia siamea - Kassod Tree (Siamese Senna) is a remarkable subtropical tree known for several special features:
• 🟡 Fast Growing, making it an excellent choice for quick shade and ornamental use.
• 🟡 Bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, adding a vibrant splash of color.
• 🟡 Evergreen foliage: lush green leaves year-round, providing continuous beauty and shade.
• 🟡 Hardy: highly resilient and can thrive in a variety of soil types and conditions, including poor soils and dry climates. Tolerates both light frost and summer heat.
• 🟡 Low maintenance, easy care, not messy, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
• 🟡 Nitrogen fixation: Improves soil fertility by fixing nitrogen, benefiting surrounding plants and enhancing garden productivity.
• 🟡 Medicinal use: herbal medicine (laxative properties and to treat various ailments).
• 🟡 Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity and ecosystem health 🐞🐝
• 🟡 Shade provider: Ideal for creating shaded areas in gardens and landscapes, contributing to a cooler environment during hot weather.