Raintree
Samanea saman
Myaataro
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Samanea
- Species:
- Samanea saman
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- More than 40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, white
Native Range
United States: Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Palau, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anypsipyla univitella, Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata), Carob moth (Ectomyelois ceratoniae), Erechthias simulans, Honeydew moth (Cryptoblabes gnidiella), indomitable melipotis moth (Melipotis indomita), Polydesma umbricola, Syssphinx quadrilineata, Vaga blackburni
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Boisduval's Blue (Plebejus icarioides), Boisduval's Blue (Plebejus icarioides), Carol's Fritillary (Speyeria carolae), Echo Azure (Celastrina echo), Echo Azure (Celastrina echo), Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis), Hoary Comma (Polygonia gracilis), Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus), Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Orange Sulphur (Colias eurytheme), Skippers (Hesperia Fabricius)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 8.0 (acidic to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers deep soils with good fertility
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Scarification by hot water or mechanical means, followed by an overnight soak in clean water. Seeds can then be pregerminated on paper towels or direct sown into containers.
Establishment: The plant is native to dry American Tropics but is widely cultivated and naturalized in Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. It can flower and bear seeds throughout the year, although seed production is heaviest in fall through spring.
Source: npn.rngr.net