Cassia fistula flourishes in Amaravati pilot project

Vijayawada: A small but thoughtful green initiative in Amaravati is yielding vibrant results, with the ornamental tree Cassia fistula—locally known as Rela or golden flower tree—adapting remarkably well to the capital region's climate and blooming in an eye-catching display.Planted on a pilot basis in front of Block-4 of the Amaravati Development Corporation (ADC) office at Rayapudi, the tree has flourished within a short span, producing dense clusters of white-yellow blossoms from the base to the canopy. Known globally for its striking yellow flowers, the variation seen here has added a unique aesthetic appeal, prompting officials to explore its wider use across the capital.The initiative aligns with the broader vision of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to develop Amaravati as a world-class capital city adorned with diverse flora from across India and abroad. Officials said the idea was to introduce visually appealing and climate-resilient species that enhance both beauty and environmental value. Encouraged by the success of the pilot, greenery officials expanded the plantation, adding more than 40 Cassia fistula saplings in and around the Secretariat. The plants are being nurtured using organic inputs such as Jeevamrutam, ensuring sustainable growth without chemical dependence. "Beyond aesthetics, the tree holds ecological and medicinal significance. Cassia fistula is known to release higher levels of oxygen, contributing to improved air quality in urban areas," said ADCL CMD Lakshmi Parthasarathy Bhaskar. She asked the officials to incorporate such species as part of a larger plan to enhance green cover and promote healthier living conditions in the capital.The tree also has cultural and medicinal importance. Widely used in Ayurvedic formulations, it is valued for its therapeutic properties, including its role in certain anti-ageing treatments. In Kerala, its flowers are celebrated as the "Vishu flower," symbolising prosperity and renewal.Another advantage is its flowering pattern. The tree typically blooms twice a year, with peak flowering between March and May, and a second phase during Oct and Nov. During peak bloom, the tree sheds most of its leaves, allowing the flowers to dominate the entire structure in cascading clusters. Each mature tree can produce between 500 and 1,000 flower bunches, creating a visually striking landscape.With the successful adaptation of Cassia fistula, Amaravati's planners are now looking at scaling up such experiments, blending urban infrastructure with sustainable and aesthetically rich greenery to shape the identity of the emerging capital.