rain tree

noun

1. monkeypod.

rain tree

noun

1. a leguminous tree, Samanea saman , native to Central America and widely planted in the tropics for ornament. It has red-and-yellow feathery flowers and pinnate leaves whose leaflets close at the approach of rain

Word History and Origins

Origin of rain tree¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Last week, the rain tree, still perched high up on its grassy island, was moved to its new permanent home, about 15 feet from the water’s edge.

From Seattle Times

Bonsai can be done with any plant species with woody stems and smaller leaves, and the exhibit includes 15 different tree species, including a Brazilian rain tree, ficus and black olive.

From Washington Times

She would roll her walker out under the shade of the big golden rain tree in her front yard to chat while I turned the hose on the red earth.

From The Guardian

We sat in the shade of a gnarled rain tree.

From Literature

There are pawnshops just steps away from old stone churches, and fast-food restaurants down the street from majestic lawns shaded by the giant canopies of tropical rain trees.

From New York Times