This tree has several common names, one of which is Broken Bones Tree. The leaf stalks fall and collect at the base of the tree and look like a pile of broken bones. Another name is Tree of Damocles which is alluding to a Greek tale where a man changes places with a king . When the man was sitting on the throne, above his head was a sword held there by a single horse hair. The man wanted to resume his former status as the sword above him wrought fear. This tree's long dangling seed pods (well over a foot long) hang down like a sword.
This tree can attain 50 to 80 feet in height. It's a night bloomer (beautiful bloom) and is pollinated by bats. The leaves and stem are edible; also used as fodder, in folk medicine, and as an ornamental tree. It's native to the southeast Asia area.

posted original in wrong box...see comment under Oroxylum indicum

Interesting! What about the midnight horror moniker?

purpleinopp said:Interesting! What about the midnight horror moniker?

Probably from the fact that the gigantic pods resemble dangling sickles or swords; or it could be the moniker came from the fact that it's a night bloomer and the blooms are pollinated by bats.

Midnight Horror - I haven't checked where I read this but I recall reading that the tree almost "comes to life" at night because there is so much activity of the various animals and insects.