Amaltas Tree (Cassia fistula): How to Grow and Care for It in Jaipur
Cassia fistula
Amaltas, the golden shower tree, flowers through Jaipur's hottest weeks, copes with drought once established and is not browsed by goats. Learn when to plant it, how to protect young plants from frost, its traditional uses, and why the pod pulp should not be eaten.
Toxicity
Cautions and safety
- The pod pulp is a laxative. ICRAF and Flowers of India call it a mild laxative, but it is also listed as a purgative, and ICRAF records that the seeds are considered emetic (they can cause vomiting). Don't let children chew the sticky pulp of fallen pods, and keep pets away from it.
- Don't self-medicate. Laboratory studies on rats and mice found low acute toxicity for pod and seed extracts, but that does not make home remedies safe. Unani medicine even lists the fruit as abortifacient. Anyone thinking of using Amaltas, especially for a child or during pregnancy, should ask a qualified doctor first.
- Frost is the main risk for young trees in Jaipur. Cover them in the first two winters.
- Shallow roots and suckers: keep the tree away from foundations, and remove suckers that come up in paving.
- Falling pods: ripe pods fall from about May. Near parking or a footpath, someone will need to clear them.
Plant a tree in someone's name with GreenEye: Gift a Tree
- Humans
- Mildly toxic
Affected parts: fruit pulp, seeds
- Pets and animals
- Not verified — check before exposing pets or children
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Please check important details against the sources shown in each section.
Plant a tree you can track
Plant a tree on GreenEye land and track it as it grows.
Share this article