Rain Tree

Rain Tree

The Rain Tree, sometimes referred to as the Monkey Pod, is a native of tropical America. It is a much valued shade tree that has been in cultivation in most countries of the tropics since the 19th centrury. It is recorded that the rain tree was brought to Singapore in 1876.

The tree grows up to 25 m tall with widespread umbrella-shaped crown. The bark is fissured and chocolate colored whilst the trunk is slightly crooked. The leaves are 20-30 cm long, compound with 3-6 pairs of side stalks; 6-8 pairs of leaflets arise on each side stalk, which are small, (3x2 cm) and almost rhombic in shape.

The spreading branches and trunk usually support the growth of a wide epiphytes or parasites. This is possibly because the shallow grooved bark provides a suitable environment for the growth of the epiphytes roots.
It is not exactly sure how the rain tree derives its name. The leaflets usually close about one hour from sunset and open again at sunrise. The leaflets also go to sleep when the sky is overcast due to approaching rain. Its Malay name is Pokok Hujan-hujan or Pokok Pukul Lima. ( The Five O’clock Tree )

The rain tree is deciduous and once a year, it sheds its leaves. The tree bears numerous tiny pink flowers which are grouped together into small heads giving a fluffy appearance. These sweet scented flowers are, however, not conspicuous.

After the flowers fade away, fruits are formed. The fruit is long and straight, 15-25x1.5 cm, with many seeds which are separated by partitions; the seed measuring 1.5 cm long and is brown in color. The fruits contain a sticky, sweet but smelly pulp and are eaten by children in the West Indies. It is said that cattle eat these fruits readily. The Rain Tree is now a common sight as a roadside shade tree throughout the country. Cross cuts of the tree are used as table tops due to the excellent growth rings they display. The wood from the tree is light and soft and is little value.

The rain tree can easily found in most of the residential area and the most prominent ones are in the garden near the Mahkota Parade, Melaka and also the main entrance of the Botanical Garden, Penang.