Rain tree pods (Samanea saman 

Common names: Rain tree, Monkey pod, Pithecellobium, Samanea. Rain tree  pod  or  monkey  pod  is  a  fast-growing tree  that  has  been  introduced  to  many  tropical countries  throughout   the  world   from   its  native habitats in Central America and northern South America.  Although   it  is  generally  planted  as  a shade tree and ornamental, it has been naturalized in many countries and is greatly valued in pastures as shade for cattle. It is found in Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Mumbai, and Southern India as shade tree. Rain trees are grown on roadsides. The most widely used common name for the species is rain tree is from  the belief that the tree produces rain at night. The pulp of the rain tree pods is also sweet  like  pulp  of  Prosopis juliflora  pods.  These pods are palatable to animals.

Nutritive value

It provides 16.7% CP and about 64% TDN. The pods contain a sweet edible pulp  that supplies nutritious food for animals. The pods are palatable. Rain tree pods after grinding can be included in the concentrate mixture of cattle.