Common names of Copper Pod Tree are Yellow Gulmohar and Rusty Shield Bearer. The botanical name is Peltophorum pterocarpum and belongs to Caesalpiniaceae family (Gulmohar family).
It is a native of Sri Lanka, the Andamans, the Malaysia and North Australia. During spring the roads in Mysore would be strewn with yellow flowers from these trees and red flowers from the Gulmohar tree. We used to call them the Arishina (Turmeric) and Kumkuma (Vermilion) trees. They are popular as roadside trees.
The tree has a straight trunk and smooth grey bark. The spreading crown contains many branches.
Every leaflet has many green and small leaves. Copper Pod Tree flowers at the tip of the branches. First, rust-red shoots appear covered with soft hair and buds of the same color.
These open to show bright yellow five-petal, slightly scented flowers with wavy edges.
The timber is used for cabinet work and furniture. The trees are also used to provide shade for cocoa and coffee plantations.
Propagation:
It is easily propagated by seeds. Plant them in full sun and water daily when young. Prune the branches for a huge crown.
