flowering angsana

Apart from the ubiquitous raintree (Samanea sama), the Angsana (Pterocarpus indicus) is (as a result of it being extensively and systematically planted in Singapore in the late 19th and 20th century) probably the only other wayside tree which is commonly found in our landscape. While the tree in itself may be familiar to most, not many are aware of its flowering habits. Unlike other wayside trees such as the raintree, the Flame of the Forest or the Tembusu, the Angsana does not flower as frequently as it is heavily dependant on persistent dry weather. Another unique characteristic of its flowering habits is the fact that the blossoms only last for a day before falling in the millions and carpeting the ground beneath the tree. Very reminiscent of fall.