Cassia × nealiae is a hybrid of Cassia fistula from Southeast Asia with yellow flowers and cassia javanica from Asia, with pink and white flowers. The cultivar is named after Wilhelmina Tenney, a prom..
more »Cassia × nealiae is a hybrid of Cassia fistula from Southeast Asia with yellow flowers and cassia javanica from Asia, with pink and white flowers. The cultivar is named after Wilhelmina Tenney, a prominent Honolulu businesswoman and philanthropist. It is a beloved urban landmark as a locally developed hybrid and symbol of LGBTQ+ history and inclusion. The tree is also named after Marie C. Neal, a pioneering botanist who led the Bishop Museum's botany department for decades. Cassia x nealiae honored the life of two accomplished women who maintained long-term same-sex relationships, especially when such visibility was rare. Its vibrant rainbow blossoms represent the intertwined legacies of Honolulu's botanical innovation, women's leadership, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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