Pride Of India

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32321, 12 June 1970, Page 4

Pride Of India

Pride of India, golden rain I tree and China tree are alternate common names for one tree, Koelreuteria paniculata. This native from Northern China forms an ideal specimen shade tree of between :15ft and 30ft. It is deciduous, and very hardy, being equally, tolerant of hot dry summer I conditions and cold winters, I the latter usually promoting better autumn colour of fruit, and foliage. Providing it is grown in reasonably drained ground it will succeed in most soils but does best in a sunny position. The double-pinnate leaves of the koelreuterias are light

I green in spring, changing to [a bright yellow ap autumn comes on. The flowers appear in late spring to early [summer: they are borne on 'large many-flowered panicles, .yellow, with an orange-yellow base and look somewhat remiIniscent of those of the horse 1 chestnut. As the blossoms fade they [are superseded by inflated, 2in capsules composed of papery-like tri-lobed walls, containing three seeds. They can readily be propagated from these large seeds or from root cuttings. No pruning is generally necessary.