Adenanthera pavonina known as the Saga tree or red bead tree
Most of my friends who have spent their childhood in Singapore, have played with the glossy red seeds of the Saga tree.
Adenanthera pavonina known to the locals as the Saga tree or red bead tree is a tall, fast growing tree, that is very beneficial to our environment. It is a valuable agroforestry species. The tree can fix the atmospheric nitrogen and thus helps rejuvenate soil. Further, it also provides useful mulch. The small leaves break down easily, giving a good green manure.
The interesting fact about its red, glossy seeds is- They were used in ancient India for weighing gold, silver & diamonds, because the seeds are curiously similar in weight, four seeds making up about 10 grams. In fact the name 'Saga' is traced to the Arabic term for 'goldsmith'. Isn't that funny?! The seeds are also used as beads in jewellery, necklaces, rosaries and as toys. The ground seeds can produce an oil which was used as an industrial lubricant. Seeds are eaten and dispersed by birds. The seed coat is extremely hard.
An interesting feature of this tree is that it resprouts new branches easily & so is not damaged by harvesting for fodder. The leaves are fairly high in digestible crude protein. It also acts as a host plant for butterflies.
There are historical accounts from Southeast Asia and Africa of using all parts of Red Bead tree for traditional medicines. In Ayurveda, the ground seeds are used to treat boils and inflammations.
A decoction of the bark is used to wash hair as it contains saponin. A red dye is obtained from the tree and is used for dyeing fabrics. The tree also yields very good charcoal.
The hardy tree can grow on variety of soils..from deep, well-drained to shallow & rocky.
The Saga tree is extensively cultivated as an ornamental for planting along roadsides and in urban areas, though notably for its red, glossy seeds; the flowers are equally beautiful in light creamy yellow to orange colour, with a sweet fragrant smell. Individual flowers are small and star-shaped, with five tiny petals. The fast growth and spreading crown of light & feathery foliage offer attractive shade, making it suitable for plantation in gardens.
Reference
Plants of Singapore