Rain Tree

One of the most iconic trees in our city, the Rain Tree (Samanea saman) can be identified by its distinct umbrella-shaped and wide spreading crown, which creates a “great tunnel” effect when planted in rows along our streets. Its compound leaves fold up at night or during rainy days when the sky is overcast. This South American tree is often confused with another common urban tree – the native Yellow Flame (Peltophorum pterocarpum) – but can be distinguished by its showy white and pink flowers, its larger leaflets (often >2.5cm long), and its dark-brown bark when mature, compared to the Yellow Flame’s yellow flowers, smaller leaflets (<2.5cm long) and lighter grey bark.