Cassia javanica ( Apple Blossom ) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to China, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Apple Blossom is famous for its pale pink and crimson flowers that cover the tree during spring and summer. In tropical regions across the world, the Apple Blossom is grown in parks, gardens, and streets as a decoration. The flower is a symbol of feminine beauty and dominance. There are also some medicinal uses.
Cassia javanica is a tropical plant and does not tolerate frost. In ideal conditions it can become invasive and has been declared a weed in Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.
The Apple Blossom flowers continuously from Spring until Autumn. Then the flowers fall to make a beautiful carpet of pink on the ground.
Other common names include Pink Cassia, Rainbow Shower, Javanese Cassia, and the Pink Shower Tree.
Apple Blossoms are also a great source of firewood.
Growth
Cassia javanica is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows to a height of up to 30 metres (100 feet). It prefers full sun and a warm, humid climate. In its native climate the average temperatures are 19°C to 25°C (66 to 77°F) though it can tolerate ranges between 12 to 35°C (53 to 95°F). Colder climates can cause damage or trigger leaves to fall earlier than usual. Pink flowers bloom from spring to autumn. Their yellow-coloured stamens found in open clusters.
The ground under the tree is usually covered with a carpet of pink towards the end of the flowering season.
Apple Blossom seed pods turn black on maturity.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical & Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
12°C to 35°C / 53 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Is tolerant of most types of soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun can tolerate some shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 30 metres (100 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 10 metres (33 feet)
pH:
5.5-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Semi-deciduous in the tropics, deciduous in temperate climates.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies.
MATURITY:
2-3 years
GERMINATION RATES:
50-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-3 weeks at 20-25°C / 68 to 77°F.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 5
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Some
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes
FACTS ABOUT CASSIA JAVANICA (Apple Blossom)
The Apple Blossom is said to bring good luck in Thailand.
It is used medicinally for treating constipation, colic, and urinary disorders.
Seeds start to germinate after 7 days and 80% of the seedlings appear within 14-30 days.
