Millettia pinnata

A medium-large semi-deciduous tree that is durable and drought-tolerant. The tree originates from India, but it is common throughout Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and Australia. The tree trunk is gray-brown and is usually smooth but sometimes is grooved. The tree’s branches grow relatively slanted, similar to Celtis sinensis and africana, so that the tree has a roundish spreading canopy shape. The tree’s leaves bloom in bright, fresh green and become dark and glossy as they mature.

Due to the tree’s origin, it changes its leaves in late spring, which corresponds to the monsoons in the East. The tree grows cream pink flowers along its branches in spring, similarly to the flowering of Cercis plants. The flowers appear jointly with the foliage and thus doesn’t stand out from a distance, but up-close it is absolutely felt and visible. The flowering generally begins once the tree is 3–4 years old. The tree’s fruits are hard, brown, ovular pods. They contain a seed or two that is brown-red. The fruit is neither edible nor juicy, so it won’t attract winged animals or stain the surface beneath it.

The tree excels in hot, humid climates, so it is well suited for the Negev and Aravah, as well as most parts of the country. It is resistant to sea spray, suitable for second and third lines on the sea. It is tolerant to all types of soil as well as resistant to strong winds. This is undoubtedly an excellent tree for public spaces – on boulevards and sidewalks due to its beautiful and fragrant flowers, the abundant shade it provides and its relative durability. It is very important to design the tree in its early years to guarantee a high, balanced structure that is well suited for a street tree.

Did you know? Different parts of the tree are used in folk medicine, and in India they make biodiesel from its seeds.