Cassia fistula, commonly known as golden shower, purging cassia, Indian laburnum, or pudding-pipe tree, is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae.

Cassia fistula, commonly known as the Golden Shower Tree or Indian Laburnum, is a medium-sized deciduous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and other parts of Southeast Asia. Here's some information about Cassia fistula:

1. Appearance: Cassia fistula is a tree that can grow up to 10-20 meters (30-65 feet) in height. It has a spreading canopy with a rounded or vase-shaped crown. The leaves are compound, with 6-8 pairs of leaflets that are oval or elliptical in shape. The tree has a distinctive appearance, especially when it blooms.

2. Flowers: The most notable feature of Cassia fistula is its profuse display of vibrant, golden-yellow flowers. The flowers are pendulous and occur in long, drooping clusters called racemes. Each raceme can contain dozens of individual flowers. The flowers have a sweet fragrance and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

3. Fruits: After the flowers fade, long, cylindrical pods develop. The pods are initially green and turn brown when mature. They can reach lengths of 30-60 centimeters (12-24 inches). The pods contain numerous black seeds embedded in a sticky pulp.

4. Ornamental and Cultural Uses: Cassia fistula is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree for its stunning flowers. It is often planted in gardens, parks, and along roadsides. The tree has cultural significance in many regions and is associated with festivals and traditional celebrations.

5. Medicinal Uses: Various parts of Cassia fistula, including the bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits, have been used in traditional medicine. The tree is known for its laxative properties and is used to treat constipation. Other traditional uses include the treatment of skin diseases, inflammation, and digestive disorders.

6. Timber and Other Uses: The wood of Cassia fistula is hard and durable, making it suitable for construction, furniture, and boat-building. The pulp from the mature pods can be used as a purgative or as a dye for textiles. In some cultures, the tree's flowers are used to make traditional herbal preparations.

7. Growing Conditions: Cassia fistula prefers a tropical or subtropical climate. It thrives in well-drained soils and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth and flowering. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of soil types but does not tolerate waterlogging. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established.

Cassia fistula, or Golden Shower Tree, is admired for its spectacular display of golden flowers and is valued for its cultural significance and medicinal uses. Whether as a garden tree, a symbol of celebration, or a source of traditional remedies, it adds beauty and value to its surroundings.