INDIAN SENNA

Scientific Name: Senna occidentalis

Common Names: Indian Senna

Description: Senna occidentalis is a fast-growing, leguminous shrub native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. It has been naturalized in many other parts of the world, including the Americas.

Size: Typically grows 1-3 meters (3.3-9.8 feet) tall, but can reach up to 5 meters (16 feet) in ideal conditions.

Leaves: Pinnately compound leaves with 4-8 pairs of oval-shaped leaflets. Leaves are green and hairless on the upper surface, with fine hairs on the underside.

Flowers: Yellow, pea-like flowers arranged in clusters. They bloom throughout the warm season.

Fruit: Long, slender pods that turn brown when mature, containing numerous dark brown seeds.

Uses:

• Medicinal Plant: The dried leaves and pods are primarily used as a laxative, particularly in traditional medicine systems.
• Ornamental Plant: Sometimes grown as an ornamental for its yellow flowers.