Description
Albizia saman, commonly known as the rain tree, monkeypod tree, or saman is a large, fast-growing tropical tree in the legume family Fabaceae. Native to Central and South America, it can reach 15 to 25 meters in height with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown that provides excellent shade. Its bipinnate leaves fold up at night and during rain, giving the tree its popular name “rain tree.”
The tree produces clusters of pink and white powderpuff-like flowers, followed by long seed pods. Beyond its striking ornamental value, Albizia saman is valued for shade, soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation, and as a source of timber, fodder, and traditional medicine. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions, it is a beloved landscape and avenue tree known for both its beauty and its usefulness.
Germination Guide
🌍 Central America and northern South America (Mexico to Peru and Brazil)
Moderate
Albizia saman, commonly known as Rain Tree or Monkey Pod, is a large tropical shade tree native to seasonal dry forests of Central America and northern South America. The fast-growing multipurpose tree produces sweet edible seed pods and nitrogen-fixing properties valuable for agroforestry systems.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
6 – 21 days
Temperature
Min 20°C
Ideal 25°C
Max 35°C
Substrate moisture
💧 Medium
Seed Pre-treatment
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💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Cold water soaking for 24 hours after scarification improves germination. Fresh seed that is still moist usually germinates freely without pre-treatment.
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🔨
Hot water scarification
Soak in hot tap water, let stand in water for 24 hours, repeat process on seed that did not imbibe. For small quantities, cut through seedcoat opposite micropyle with care.
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📋
Additional notes
Nail clipping at distal end of seed provides highest germination (50%). Hot water at 50°C for 2-4 minutes effective. Boiling water immersion for 30 seconds inhibits germination.
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
3 parts soil, 1 part sand, 1 part compost
Recommended container
Large nursery bags 10cm x 20cm
Growing Tips
Seedlings should receive partial shade for 2-4 weeks, then exposed to full sunlight. After 3-5 months seedlings reach 20-30 cm tall and ready for field planting. Seeds are orthodox and can be stored. Treated seed germinates quickly in 6-8 days under optimal conditions.
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