Tales of Siam: Stories From the Heart of the Forest

Central Thailand consists of a diverse landscape, ranging from mountainous terrain to river valleys and coastal plains. The region is characterized by unique soil conditions that play a crucial role in shaping its rich biodiversity. The trees of Central Thailand are adapted to thrive in these diverse soil conditions, ranging from lush tropical rainforest species in the mountains to trees along the coastlines. It consists of soils that are acidic with rocky composition, alluvial soils, coastal soils, and sandy soils.

Samanea Saman
Common Name:
Rain Tree
Thai Name:
Thon Jamjuriyak (ต้นจามจุรียักษ์)
Ecological Niche:
Rain trees grow well under climates that have a seasonal dry period (around 2–4 months), as well as under moist conditions where rainfall is distributed evenly year-round. Rain trees also grow well in tropical regions, have high humidity, and have well-drained soil. It can commonly be found in Central and South America and parts of Southeast Asia.

(Photo by) Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dalbergia Cochinchinensis
Common Name:
Siamese Rosewood
Thai Name:
Thon Payoong (ต้นพะยูง)
Ecological Niche:
Due to its pioneering characteristics, drought tolerance, and nitrogen-fixing ability, it shows potential for restoring degraded forests and deforested sites. Grows well in a tropical climate with well-drained soil. Siamese rosewood prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. Native to Southeast Asia in countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

(Photo by Christian Advs Sltg, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Cassia Fistula
Common Name:
Golden Shower Tree
Thai Name:
Chaiyapruek Koon (ชัยพฤกษ์ คูน)
Ecological Niche:
Growth for this tree is best in full sun on well-drained soil; it is relatively drought-tolerant and slightly salt-tolerant. The Golden shower tree grows well under tropical to subtropical climate. It prefers full sun exposure and it prefers well-drained soil as well as regular watering. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

(Photo by Sanfy, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Common)

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