GOLDEN SHOWER TREE

I have noticed this beautiful tree growing in Ipoh but only had the chance to take pictures of it today when I was visiting the child of my colleague who has been hospitalised. You can find quite a number of the golden shower tree planted at the compound of the Manjung Hospital. This beautiful tree has cascading racemes of fragrant, brilliant yellow flowers.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the fruitpulp is used as mild laxative, against fevers, arthritis, vatavyadhi (nervous system diseases), all kinds of rakta-pitta (bleeding, such as hematemesis or hemorrhages), as well as cardiac conditions and stomach problems such as acid reflux.  One word of caution is that one must consult an expert on herbs or on Ayurveda medicine before giving this herb a try.  In Malaysia, it is also used in traditional medicine to treat cancer.
One interesting thing about the fruit of the plant is that it has a lewd name in the Malay language.  I have heard people referring it to the male sexual organ of an Indian man.  In Chinese it is called Lap Cheong Shu or sausage plant.

PLANT INFORMATION
Botanic name: Cassia fistula Linnaeus
Common names: Indian laburnum, Pudding-pipe, Golden shower tree

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Shower_Tree
http://www.killerplants.com/plant-of-the-week/20060626.asp