The Indian Laburnum or Amaltas

The Indian Laburnum, known also as Amaltas, is one of the most beautiful flowering trees. During the flowering season, the profusion of flowers hanging from its branches cover the tree so entirely that the tree, appearing bright yellow, can be spotted with ease even from a distance.

Amaltas is classified as a tree of medium height. Leaf shedding precedes the flowering season. When the tree is leafless, it is possible to see the long rod-like pods of the previous year. Young shoots and buds appear just after leaf shedding and before the flowering season. The flowers are long hanging clusters -- a shower of cascading flowers.

Most trees are leafless in the flowering season, however, some acquire fairly good foliage. The compound leaves of amaltas are dark green, except when young. The tender leaves are bright green or sometimes a beautiful rich copper colour.

What starts off as a thread like pod soon acquires the typical straight long rod-like appearance. On ripening the pods turn dark brown or black (shown in the inset).

The bark of a young tree is smooth and ash coloured. An older trees has rough dark brown bark.