Family: Leguminosae
Common Name: Monkey Pod, Rain Tree, Saman

The monkey pod is the best known of these species of generally fast-growing trees and shrubs, native to tropical America and Africa. The leaves are compound with eight pairs of leaflets, and the flowers are tufty in rounded heads. These are followed by curved pods, the seeds of which are enclosed in pulp. Unlikely to be available outside countries of origin.

Species

S. saman, (Synonym: Albizia saman), monkey pod or rain tree, is fast growing, developing into a tree with a short, massive trunk and a canopy much wider than it is high. These trees grow to 20 m (65 ft) or more, folding their leaves when it rains, allowing plants beneath to be thoroughly watered. In the dry season, they shed much of their foliage. Yellowish flowers with long pink stamens appear in late spring or summer, followed by dark pods that split along one side as they mature.

Cultivation

Outside the tropics, samaneas are grown in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light but shade plants from strong, direct sun. Water normally in the growing season, but reduce considerably in winter. Pruning may be needed in late winter to restrict size. Propagate from seed sown in spring and germinated at 15°C (59°F). First soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Take semi-ripe cuttings in summer and root with bottom heat.

Climate

For tropical regions only.