Pink shower (kalapaphruek) Cassia bakeriana
Pink shower (kalapaphruek) (Cassia bakeriana) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Myanmar and Thailand. It grows 8–15 m (26–49 ft) tall and 8–12 m (26–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 8 m (26 ft) apart.
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Pink shower (kalapaphruek) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 8 m (26 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Myanmar and Thailand |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore |
Is Pink shower (kalapaphruek) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: pods, seeds
Like other Cassia, the pod pulp is purgative; not eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pink shower (kalapaphruek)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Pink shower (kalapaphruek)
- How far apart should I plant Pink shower (kalapaphruek)?
- About 8 m (26 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–12 m (26–39 ft).
- Does Pink shower (kalapaphruek) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pink shower (kalapaphruek) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pink shower (kalapaphruek)?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Pink shower (kalapaphruek) flower?
- From about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pink shower (kalapaphruek) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Like other Cassia, the pod pulp is purgative; not eaten.
- What grows well with Pink shower (kalapaphruek)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Thai Plant Names (Tem Smitinand), revised edition, Forest Herbarium, Royal Forest Department, Bangkok
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Dry-season deciduous: from February to April the bare branches are covered in dense pink clusters that fade to white, like cherry blossom. Long, velvety black pods follow. Widely planted in Thai parks and campuses.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis