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The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of southeast Asia. It ranges from southern Pakistan eastward throughout India to Myanmar and Thailand and south to Sri Lanka.
It is the national tree of Thailand, and its flower is Thailans national flower. It is also the state flower of Kerala in india. It is a popular ornamental plant and is used in herble medicine too.
Five species of butterflies lay their eggs on this species. The Lemon Migrant, Mottled Emigrant, Common Sailor, Red Spot and Three-spot Grass Yellow lay their eggs on the tender leaves of the Golden Shower Tree and when the eggs hatch their caterpillars feed on these leaves. Except for the Three-spot Grass Yellow which is usually found in the wet zone all other species are found at Wilpattu. Sloth Bears feed on the young pods of this species. I have on a few occassions observed the seeds in their droppings at Wilpattu.

In wilpattu these trees can be seen at most localities and become quite conspiquious during the flowering deason.