Pterocarpus indicus is a native species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Locally known as angsana or simply sena, it is an excellent roadside trees planted particularly for its shade. Among the first species to be introduced for ornamental and urban planting in the late 1800s, Sena is still a popular tree planted along roadsides, parks and open spaces, today. Sena was first planted in FRIM campus as “nurse trees” to provide shade to timber tree seedlings in 1927. There are now a few remnants left from this planting effort. Sena is a fast growing trees and is easily transplanted. Its flowers are very conspicuous especially when it blooms simultaneously, covering the entire crown. The scenic beauty of its bright yellow flowers amidst its green leaves and subsequently the layer of yellow flowers carpeting the earth beneath the tree is a sight to behold. Sena also yields a beautiful red, scented wood that can make fine furniture.

In 2013, the angsana tree flowered on 15 March. Once again yellow flowers adorned FRIM’s main pond area.

Sena trees can be seen flowering near the main ponds at FRIM since the second week of March 2012.	Sena flowers collected on aquatic plants
Sena flowers carpeting the ground	FRIM visitors enjoying the view
Yellow carpets of sena petals	Angsana or Pterocarpus indicus flowers turned into fruits at the end of April 2012. Pictures by Asmar Hassan taken on 28 May 2012.