Docynia indica
Docynia indicafam. Fabaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 08BD — Docynia indica
Docynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indicaDocynia indica
IOverview
Overview
Docynia indica, commonly known as the Indian yellowwood or golden rain tree, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and can grow up to 4 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, Docynia indica is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of this tree is the golden-yellow flowers that it produces, which give rise to its alternative name, golden rain tree.
Quick answers
What is Docynia indica?
Docynia indica, commonly known as the Indian yellowwood or golden rain tree, is a deciduous tree native to regions including Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Docynia indica thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10 and grows to a height of 4 meters. For propagation, it can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Docynia indica for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Skip in a sunny spot and follow these simple steps for success.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip seeds or seedlings, a trowel, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Skip during spring when the soil is moist and warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 2-3 cm deep in rows spaced 60 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if temperatures are high.
- 6
Ongoing care
Fertilize with compost every 4-6 weeks and prune any dead or damaged branches as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners face.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of Docynia indica is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. It is often consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the detailed recipes; focus on these basic uses instead.
Other uses:Lumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia6 regions
native (6)ChinaIndiaMyanmarNepalThailandVietnam
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya
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 (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 08bdd4ea-6dca-4ecc-b910-a371a5697526
Decision aid
Choosing between Docynia indica and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.