Description
Cassia javanica, also known as Java cassia, pink shower, apple blossom tree and rainbow shower tree, is a species of tree in the family Fabaceae. Its origin is in Southeast Asia, but it has been extensively grown in tropical areas worldwide as a garden tree owing to its beautiful crimson and pink flower bunches.
Cassia javanica is a fast growing, deciduous / semi-deciduous tree which flowers in spring and sheds its leaves in the winter months. It has a straight trunk that reaches heights of 25 – 40m. The leaves are paripinnate with 12 pairs of elliptical leaves. The flowers range in colour from pale pink to crimson with yellow coloured stamens and are found in open clusters. The ground under the tree is covered with a beautiful carpet of pink towards the end of the flowering season. The fruit are housed in long cylindrical dark brown pods. Because of its beauty and suitable size C. javanica is planted as a shade and ornamental tree on streets and in parks. C. javanica is polymorphic and several sub species such as those listed below exist.
Germination Guide
🌍 Assam to China (Guangxi, Yunnan) and Peninsula Malaysia
Moderate
Cassia javanica subsp. agnes, commonly known as pink shower tree or apple blossom tree, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. The agnes subspecies is most valued as an ornamental for its larger, vibrant pink flowers that fade to white with age. Seed germination requires pre-treatment to overcome the hard, impermeable seed coat, followed by warm, moist conditions for successful establishment.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
5 – 30 days
Temperature
Min 18°C
Ideal 22°C
Max 26°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Soak in hot water (just boiled) overnight or in warm water for 12-24 hours; alternatively, scarify mechanically and then soak in room temperature water for 24-48 hours. Change water daily. Seeds that swell are ready to sow; re-treat those that do not swell
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🔨
Mechanical scarification
Mechanical scarification (rubbing with sandpaper or rasp) or hot water treatment required to break hard seed coat; seeds that swell can be sown immediately
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📋
Additional notes
Mechanical scarification or hot water immersion required to overcome seed dormancy caused by impermeable seed coat
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Well-drained, light, porous, pathogen-free substrate or sandy loam mixed with organic matter
Recommended container
Plastic pot with drainage holes; use transparent lid to maintain humidity and open every other day for air exchange
Growing Tips
Use fresh seeds for best results; store-bought seeds should be pre-treated. Scarify seeds by rubbing with sandpaper or immerse in just-boiled water overnight before soaking. Do not allow seeds to dry out after soaking. Maintain soil temperature between 20-26°C for optimal germination. Seeds need light to germinate; do not cover entirely with substrate. Use artificial lighting (fluorescent or LED) if natural light is insufficient, avoiding direct sunlight. After germination, acclimatize seedlings gradually over 4-12 weeks before exposure to full sun. Protect young plants from frost as Cassia javanica is sensitive to cold temperatures. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Germination is typically rapid (5-30 days) when pre-treatment is properly performed, though some seeds may germinate much later. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent fungal issues. Seedlings benefit from gentle air circulation provided by opening pot covers regularly.
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