Amaltash
Amaltash, also known as the Golden Shower Tree (scientific name: Cassia fistula), is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Description: Amaltash is a fast-growing, medium-sized deciduous tree typically reaching heights of 10-20 meters. It is characterized by its pinnate leaves, composed of 4-8 pairs of opposite leaflets. The most striking feature of the tree is its profusion of bright yellow flowers, which hang in long, pendulous racemes during the spring and early summer. These flowers are followed by long, cylindrical, dark brown pods, which can reach up to 60 cm in length and contain numerous flat, brown seeds embedded in a dark, sticky pulp.
Distribution and Habitat: The Amaltash tree is widely distributed throughout India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Southeast Asia. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring well-drained soil and full sun. It is often found in open woodlands, along roadsides, and in gardens.
Uses: Amaltash has various traditional and modern uses.
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Medicinal: In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, various parts of the Amaltash tree, including the roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and pulp, are used for their purported medicinal properties. They are believed to possess laxative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. The pulp from the pods is commonly used as a mild laxative.
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Ornamental: Due to its beautiful and abundant yellow flowers, the Amaltash tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.
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Timber: The wood of the Amaltash tree is hard and durable, and is sometimes used for construction purposes and for making agricultural implements, though it's not considered a primary timber source.
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Other uses: The bark of the tree can be used for tanning leather. The flowers are sometimes used in religious ceremonies.
Conservation Status: The Amaltash tree is not currently considered to be globally threatened. It is a relatively common and widespread species in its native range. However, habitat loss and overexploitation for medicinal purposes could pose a threat in some areas.
Synonyms: Cassia rhombifolia, Cathartocarpus fistula