Birth flower for May 12
Golden shower tree
Meaning: prosperity, blessing
In early summer this tree hangs out long chains of golden flowers, which is how it got its name. It is the national flower of Thailand and the state flower of Kerala in India, where its blossoms are an auspicious part of the new year festival. After flowering it grows dark cylindrical pods up to half a meter long, whose pulp has long been used as a laxative.