Cassia bakeriana Seeds | Pink Shower

Pink Shower seeds (Cassia bakeriana)

LATIN NAME: Cassia bakeriana

COMMON NAME: Pink Shower, Wishing Tree

Plant Profile

Pink Shower (Cassia bakeriana) is a small deciduous tree of the pea family (Fabaceae), native to Thailand and mainland Southeast Asia. It reaches 6-12 m, with pinnate leaves and dense clusters of soft pink, fading-to-white flowers that cover the crown in spring, followed by long pods. Planted widely in tropical streets and gardens, it is among the loveliest of the pink cassias.

Science & Biotechnology

Cassia bakeriana sits in the Cassia group, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Its brief, synchronised leafless flowering period has also drawn phenological research interest similar to that given to other tropical trees that flower in dramatic, time-limited displays. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.

Uses & Benefits

Pink Shower works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Pink shower is a highly prized ornamental flowering tree across Southeast Asia, its brief but spectacular all-pink floral display against bare branches making it a favourite for parks, temples and avenues throughout the region. Its relatively compact size compared with some larger flowering trees also makes it suitable for smaller garden spaces wanting a dramatic seasonal flowering event. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.

Sennas and cassias are the source of sennosides, the world’s most widely used herbal laxatives, standardized in products everywhere. Use them short-term only, as tradition and modern guidance both advise.

Growing from Seed

Pink Shower grows readily from seed. Nick or lightly sand hard seed coat and soak it in warm water overnight before sowing into a loose, free-draining tropical mix. Bright light suits young tree well, and it typically establishes readily in warm, tropical to subtropical conditions, in time rewarding patience with its striking pink flowering display. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.

Our Take

Once established, Pink Shower, Wishing Tree largely looks after itself. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.

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