Cassia grandis – the
Cassia grandis, one of several species called pink shower tree in the family Fabaceae. It’s mainly cultivated as an urban street tree for its beautiful flowers.
- Family: Fabaceae
- Genus: Cassia
- Species: Cassia grandis
- Synonyms: Cassia brasiliana, Cassia brasiliana var. tomentosa Miq., Cassia brasiliensis, Cassia mollis, Cassia pachycarpa
- English names: pink shower, carao
- Vietnamese: ô môi
Cassia grandis is originated from South America, and were introduced in southern Vietnam, but no one knows when and why. Now, it’s a common street tree in southwestern Vietnam. There is even a song about this flower.
In Vietnam, the flowering season of C. grandis is from late March and early April.
Culinary uses
In Vietnam, Cassia grandis is known as ô môi and mainly cultivated in southwestern provinces such as An Giang, Cần Thơ, Vĩnh Long,…
The flesh of Cassia grandis pod is edible which has a very sweet, slightly pungent and intense taste, often served with chili salt as a rustic snack.
Some Vietnamese chefs also make Cassia grandis sauce in some grilled dishes, or make use of the so-called Cassia grandis wine. Its seeds are also used to cook some Vietnamese sweet soups which are served with coconut milk, and palm sugar.
