Natural chandeliers of yellow and gold glow and shine in a camouflage of fluorescent lush green foliages. Sporadic invasion of bougainvillea creeper here and on that point, and a carpet of petals welcoming young and old alike laced with the sweetest aromas garnish the otherwise dry summer air. This typical north Indian summer picture decorated with splendid yellow and golden beauties of Indian Laburnum, or more commonly recognized as the amateurs, are a common sight to behold and relish in Delhi and other regions of India during this time of the yr.
Known as Cassia Fistula, or ‘the pudding pipe’ (for its fruits are brown, blackish cylindrical pods), these florets erupt in full abundance during April-June. Its golden chandelier type inflorescence is revered as ‘Swarnapushpa’ or ‘Bahava ke Phool’ in Hindi. Various hues of yellow and golden arranged in beautiful racemes – or irregular pedicellate patterns hang from this dry deciduous, tropical tree. Dotting major urban landscapes in the nation as an avenue / ornamental tree, over and above its dominance in forests, Indian Laburnum is a vision to behold – a riot of pleasing hues of yellows to relish.