In Thailand there are 9 trees that are considered to be important. Thai people believe that if a family grows some or all of them, they will receive good fortune and happiness.

When construction starts on new temples, halls or government buildings, wood from each of the 9 trees is arranged in a circle with one in the centre.

Jackfruit on tree

The 9 trees are:
Golden Shower
Javanese Cassia
Coral Tree
Bamboo
Common Tembusa
Kalamona
Teak
Blackwood
Jackfruit

Bamboo trees

Golden Shower is a hardwood tree which has cascades of brilliant yellow flowers during the dry season, February to May. The trees grow to about 15 metres, and have smooth bark and round green leaves. Long pods replace the flowers, May to June. Parts of the plant have medicinal uses, new shoots are eaten, the hard wood is used for construction and in the past was used to make wagon wheels.

The Coral Tree has a light grey trunk, which is thorny. The leaves grow in clusters of three and are shed for a short period. The new leaves are accompanied by reddish orange flowers December-February. The flowers are replaced by seed pods. The leaf shoots are eaten and the bark is crushed and made into a medicinal tea. The wood is used for construction.

The umbrella-shaped Javanese Cassia trees produce pink blossoms February to April. The petals are red-tipped, and fade to pale pink and then white. They are replaced by long dark seed pods. The tree is quite prickly. The leaves are oval and grow in clusters. Thai people believe the pink flowers attract victory in battle, and the trees are often planted in military bases. The tree trunk is used as pillars or victory flag poles. The leaves are made into medicinal tea.

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updated April 2001