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Appleblossom Tree

Cassia Nodosa  • 

Family: Caesalpinioideae / Caesalpiniaceae

Origin: Indonesia

General description

Spectacular medium size fast growing tree, 30 - 40 feet ( 9 - 12m) with a fine spreading crown.
Masses of bubbly fragrant pink appleblossom flowers (over 2 inches - 5 cm across) appear in spring-summer held in cascading clusters along downy branches. Lovely, tropical, rich green, pinnate foliage. Briefly deciduous during dry season. Flowers appear in groups along the downy branches, each cluster borne on a short stalk. The flower stems are red and grow in whorls. The buds and flowers are deep pink, fading to white and each petal is somewhat pointed at the tip. The calyx is green and velvety and the bracts narrow ovals. There are ten yellow stamens, the longest three having a round swelling in the middle. The pods grow as long as 18 feet and are an unattractive feature of the tree. A leaf may be from 6 to 12 inches long ( 15 - 30 cm) and comprise up to thirteen pairs of leaflets. These are pointed at the apex, leathery and slightly glossy.
 

Plant requirements

Hardiness 10b: Temp above 2°C (35°F)
Full Sun
Average water needs:  water regulary, do not overwater

Maintenance

Propagation Methods:
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium
Scarify seed before sowing

Properties

Height
900 - 1000 cm
Color
Moisture
Well-drained
Hardiness
Needs protection