Plant Description
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain is a deciduous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It can grow up to a height of 10-15 meters with a spreading crown. The trunk is slightly fluted, and the branches are drooping and slender. The bark of the tree is grey and smooth, while the young stems are green.
The leaves of the Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain are alternate, pinnate, and 15-25 cm long. The leaflets are elliptical and 5-15 cm long, with a pointed tip and slightly rounded base. The color of leaves is dark green and glossy, with a distinctive midrib and lateral veins.
The tree produces highly fragrant flowers in large, drooping clusters that can be up to 20-30 cm long. The flowers are five-petaled, with two upper petals and three lower ones. The color of the flowers can range from white to pink, red, or purple in some cases.
The fruit of the tree is a long, flat legume that can grow up to 30-60 cm long. The legumes are green when immature and turn brown when they are ripe. They contain several seeds, which are brown and flat.
Origin and Common Names
The Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain is native to Southeast Asia and South Asia. It is commonly known as the Java Cassia, Pink and White shower, and Apple Blossom Cassia. In India, it is known as the Amaltas or the Golden Shower tree.
Uses
The Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain has several uses. The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and along the roadsides. Its highly fragrant flowers make it a popular choice for landscaping. The tree is also valued for its medicinal properties. Its roots, leaves, bark, and flowers are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, skin diseases, and inflammation.
The legumes of the Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain are used for tanning leather. The seeds are also used to make jewelry, and the wood is used as fuel.
Light Requirements
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain requires full sun exposure to partial shade. It grows best in places where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. However, during hot summers, it is advisable to provide partial shade to prevent the leaves from getting scorched.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can grow in a wide range of temperatures from tropical to subtropical conditions. Ideal temperatures for growth range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate mild frost but may not survive in extremely cold regions.
Soil Requirements
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain prefers fertile soils that are well-draining. The soil should have a pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.5. The plant does not grow well in heavy clay soils or soils that are waterlogged. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil before planting can improve soil fertility and drainage.
Cultivation Method
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain can be grown using both seeds and stem cutting. The ideal time for planting is during the rainy season. Prepare a hole that is twice the size of the plant's root ball, fill with well-draining soil, and water the plant after planting.
Watering Needs
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain needs regular watering during the growing season. Watering should be done once a week when the soil is dry to the touch. Too much water can cause root rot hence ensure the soil has adequate drainage.
Fertilization
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain requires regular feeding. Apply a slow-release fertilizer two to three times in a year or use liquid fertilizer bi-weekly. Nitrogen-rich fertilizer is recommended to encourage healthy foliage growth.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the shape and size of Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain. It can be pruned anytime during the growing season. Remove any dead or diseased branches. Pinch off new growth to encourage bushier foliage growth, and trim the tips of the branches to get a desired shape. Caution should be taken not to prune more than a quarter of the plant in a single season to avoid jeopardizing its growth and health.
Propagation of Cassia javanica var. indochinensis:
Cassia javanica var. indochinensis can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seeds:
Seeds are an easy and effective way to propagate Cassia javanica var. indochinensis. The ideal time for sowing seeds is during the rainy season. The seeds should be soaked for 24 hours in water before sowing. Sow the seeds in well-draining soil, cover them with a layer of soil, and keep them moist until germination. This method usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for germination to occur.
Cuttings:
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Cassia javanica var. indochinensis. Take cuttings of 6- to 8-inch-long stem from a healthy, mature plant. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and insert the cuttings in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area. After a few weeks, roots should start growing, and the cuttings can be transplanted in the ground.
Air-layering:
Air-layering is a propagation method that can be used for woody plants such as Cassia javanica var. indochinensis. In this method, a branch is selected, and a section of the bark is removed from the middle of the stem. The exposed area is then wrapped in moist soil or sphagnum moss, and covered with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Roots will form within the moist soil or moss after a few weeks, and the newly rooted section can be cut off from the parent plant and transplanted.
Budding and Grafting:
Budding and grafting are advanced propagation methods that involve attaching a piece of a desired plant to a rootstock. This method is usually done in nurseries or by experienced gardeners.
Disease Management
Cassia javanica L. var. indochinensis Gagnepain, commonly known as Indochinese shower tree, is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, the following diseases can affect the plant:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, defoliation, and twig blight. It can be controlled with fungicides containing copper, chlorothalonil, or mancozeb.
- Powdery mildew: It is a fungal disease that causes white powdery spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation. It can be controlled with fungicides containing myclobutanil, triadimefon, or sulfur-based products.
Preventive measures such as proper planting, regular pruning, and adequate spacing may help prevent the occurrence of diseases. Moreover, removing the infected plant parts and keeping the area clean can help in controlling the spread of diseases.
Pest Management
While Indochinese shower tree is generally pest-resistant, the following pests may attack the plant:
- Scale insects: They appear as waxy or shell-like bumps on the leaves and stems, and they can cause plant decline. They can be controlled by applying horticultural oil sprays or insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: They can cause defoliation and damage to the plant. They can be controlled by picking them off the plant or applying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide.
- Mites: They cause leaf discoloration, webbing, and stunted growth. They can be controlled by applying miticides like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or spiromesifen.
Regular inspections and early detection of pest infestations can help prevent severe damage. Cleaning the garden area, pruning dead branches, and avoiding overcrowding may also help prevent pest infestation.
