Coral shower
Cassia grandis
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Pl. F675 — Cassia grandis
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IOverview
Overview
Coral shower (Cassia grandis) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, and Venezuela. This tree thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 25 meters tall. Coral shower is known for its edible fruit and is often cultivated for ornamental purposes due to its distinctive appearance. Its flowers are a vibrant coral color, giving the tree its common name.
Quick answers
What is Coral shower?
Coral shower (Cassia grandis) is a large tree native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, and Venezuela.
What is Coral shower used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Coral shower
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Cassia species, including Coral shower (Cassia grandis), have been traditionally used in South American herbal medicine for digestive issues such as bloating and indigestion. A decoction of the leaves or bark may help alleviate these symptoms.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but likely involves compounds like anthraquinones, which can stimulate intestinal peristalsis and promote bowel movements.
- Cassia grandis is traditionally used in South American herbal medicine to support the immune system. A decoction of the bark or leaves may help boost overall immunity.
The mechanism is not fully characterised, but Cassia species contain flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties which can support immune function.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Coral shower support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Coral shower thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer climates. To propagate, use seeds or cuttings. The plant grows to a height of 25 meters and produces edible fruit.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
25.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Coral shower for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Coral shower in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, potting mix suitable for tropical plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds or young plants during the spring when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining soil mix that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start them indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny spot, but avoid direct midday sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune occasionally for shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain size and shape. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full midday sun, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Coral shower (Cassia grandis) is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Animal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas19 regions
native (19)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaPeruPuerto RicoSurinameVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Brazil Northeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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