This is one of the few trees on the whole property that I planted purely because it’s beautiful, no fruit, no nuts, no future harvest at all, same as jacaranda.
The Basics
Rainbow shower tree, Cassia × nealiae, is a naturally occurring hybrid between golden shower (Cassia fistula) and pink and white shower (Cassia javanica), in the pea family, Fabaceae.
Origin and Habitat
A cultivated hybrid rather than a wild species, first noticed and propagated in Hawaii, where it’s since become one of the signature flowering trees of the islands, alongside favorites like puakenikeni.
What It Looks Like
Large hanging clusters of flowers in shades of pink, yellow, and white all blooming together on the same tree, which is exactly where the rainbow in the name comes from.
Uses and Flavor
Purely ornamental, grown for the flowers, not for any food or material use.
Growing It Here
We were gifted two of these, already dug up and ready to replant, from a friend named Louie. The one along the driveway looks absolutely epic in full bloom. The mess it makes when all those flowers drop is a whole other story.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Nothing to report so far.
Kenta’s Take
Not everything here has to earn its keep with a harvest. This one earns it every time it blooms, and sweeping up after it is a job I’ve accepted as the price of admission.