Golden shower of Laburnum tree (Amaltas) in Islamabad

Brilliant yellow flowers also known as the ‘Golden Shower’ add to Islamabad’s scenic beauty

[dt_gap height=”15 /]

By Ishrat Hyatt

Islamabad and Rawalpindi have many flowering trees which show their glory throughout the three seasons conducive to their growth. After the beautiful red ‘Gul Mohar’ and the mauve Jacaranda flowers, these days the sister cities are awash with the brilliant yellow of the Amaltas or Laburnum tree. Also known as the ‘Golden Shower’ this deciduous, medium-sized tree grows to about 10m in height and can be seen in many places peeking out from the dense growth of green belts.

The flowers come out after the tree sheds its old leaves and look very beautiful — each branch is laden with a large number of resplendent yellow flowers — the tree veritably drips with golden racemes, just like golden chains, when in bloom. Those of us who have lived in Rawalpindi for a long time still mourn the loss of the Amaltas trees that used to grow along the Mall, providing shade and beauty at the same time — but it’s good to see that many have been planted along the ‘new’ roads.

Planted in rows along a driveway or as an addition to a corner of the garden, the Amaltas provides a glorious riot of colour for at least two months and because its roots do not grow deep down it is not harmful to foundations.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

There are many beliefs associated with the Laburnum. In certain parts of the subcontinent, the stakes obtained from the tree are driven into the ground and worshipped. It is also commonly believed that the tree brings good luck and fortune so people plant it near their houses and it is also useful in many other ways. The wood obtained from the tree is used for making furniture, decorative paneling and other items, while the bark is used in the tanning industry.

But there are also conflicting beliefs about the tree when you read about this beauty of nature. Some people say it is highly poisonous including the leaves, the seed pods and roots. Children may be tempted by the seeds which they mistake for pea pods and this may prove fatal.

Others say the Laburnum has a wide range of medicinal uses and almost every part of the tree has some medicinal properties but the fruit is considered the most important. It contains a jelly-like pulp, commonly called ‘casia pulp’ and is a well-known laxative. It is considered so safe that it can be administered even to pregnant women and newborn babies.

Fresh Laburnum flowers are used for treating liver and spleen related problems. Seeds obtained from the fruit are emetic and improve appetite, while the root is a strong laxative, antipyretic and provides immunity from viral infections. Laburnum seeds, when ground and mixed with water, can be administered to cattle for controlling diarrhoea. According to some herbal specialists, the root is useful for treating burning sensations, skin diseases, leprosy and tuberculosis.

Whatever its medicinal uses may be, its visual impact provides enough pleasant feelings to your senses and gives you something to remember on dark and cold days.

[dt_gap height=”15″ /]

This article originally appeared in The News.