Samanea saman, commonly known as Rain Tree, is a large, deciduous flowering tree native to the tropical dry forests and seasonally dry forests of Central and South America. It can grow to a height of 49-82 feet (15-25 meters) with a canopy that can reach up to 30 meters in diameter, providing an extensive area of shade. The Rain Tree is characterized by its wide, umbrella-shaped crown and a robust trunk with a thick, furrowed bark. Its leaves are pinnate and bipinnate, with the unique ability to fold up in response to rain and during the night, a phenomenon known as nyctinasty. The tree blooms with showy, pinkish-white flowers that have prominent white and red stamens, typically during the summer months. The flowers are followed by large, curved seed pods containing sticky, edible flesh that is sometimes used as fodder for livestock.

The Rain Tree is highly valued for its expansive shade, making it a popular choice for urban planting, parks, and large gardens. Its wood is used in furniture making and construction, while the seed pods have applications in traditional medicine. The tree’s ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, including those with poor drainage, and its tolerance to drought make it relatively easy to maintain. However, its branches are prone to breakage during storms, which can be a concern in urban settings. It is also known for its invasive root system, which can damage sidewalks and foundations. In some regions, the Rain Tree is considered invasive when grown outside its native range, so caution is advised when planting it in non-native areas.CC BY-SA 4.0