cientific name: Samanea saman

Common names: Rain Tree, Monkey Pod, Saman

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.84″ N, 64° 49′ 49.54″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Rain Tree (Samanea saman)

1. Leaf Behavior
Rain Tree is semi-deciduous, shedding part of its foliage during the dry season (January to March) or in response to prolonged drought.

• Leaves are bipinnately compound, with numerous small leaflets that are sensitive to light and moisture.
• Leaflets fold at night or on overcast/rainy days, giving rise to the name “Rain Tree.”

Observation Tips:

• Track canopy density throughout dry season.
• Record leaflet folding behavior at different times of day or during weather changes.
• Note timing of new leaf flush—typically March to May.

2. Flowering
Flowers are pale pink to rose-colored with numerous stamens, forming small powderpuff clusters on short stalks.

• Flowering generally occurs from March to June in St. Croix, often shortly after or overlapping with new leaf growth.
• Flowers are lightly fragrant and attractive to bees and butterflies.

Observation Tips:

• Look for clusters of small buds and powderpuff blooms near branch tips.
• Document bloom density, peak, and decline.
• Record pollinator visits, especially in early morning and late afternoon.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are long, dark brown, flattened pods, often slightly curved and sticky inside.

• Pods form soon after flowering and ripen over several months, typically by late summer (August–October).
• They contain multiple small seeds embedded in a sweet, edible pulp that attracts animals and livestock.

Observation Tips:

• Monitor pod development, color change, and seed release.
• Fallen pods may accumulate heavily beneath the tree.

4. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Leaf thinning or partial drop
• Mar–Jun: Flowering and new leaf flush
• Jul–Oct: Pod maturation and seed dispersal
• Nov–Dec: Dense canopy, occasional leaf turnover