Its origin is in Southeast Asia, but it has been extensively grown in tropical areas worldwide as a garden tree owing to its beautiful crimson and pink flower bunches.

[2] Cassia javanica is a fast growing, deciduous / semi-deciduous tree which flowers in spring and sheds its leaves in the winter months.

[4] Cassia javanica was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, and published in his work Species Plantarum[5] Seven subspecies are recognised by Plants of the World Online as of 8 March 2024[update], as follows: The natural range of this species is from Assam (far northeastern India), to southern China, south through Malesia and Papuasia, to Queensland (Australia).

[4] Cassia javanica is one of Thailand's Nine Auspicious Trees and is said to bring good luck, ensure continued high rank and afford victory.

[citation needed] It is used medicinally as a substitute to Cassia fistula for treating constipation, colic, chlorosis and urinary disorders.

[14] Its leaves are effective against herpes simplex and the bark of C. javanica is one of the ingredients in ayurvedic and other traditional medicine antidiabetic formulations.