Samanea saman (Rain Tree)

Native from Central America to Venezuela and Ecuador, this semi-deciduous tree develops a broad, umbrella-shaped crown and commonly reaches about 100 feet tall. Its leaflets fold in the evening and during overcast weather. Rounded flower clusters have long stamens that are pink above and white below. The pods contain sweet, sticky pulp eaten by people and livestock, while the wood is used for furniture and carved bowls. It has naturalized in Hawaii and northeastern and central-eastern Queensland, Australia. In Queensland, it can invade native forests, particularly along stream margins and in disturbed areas. Photographed in northern Colombia.