Status:
valid
Authors:
(L.) Greene
Source:
ildis
Year:
1901
Citation Micro:
Pittonia4: 29 (1901)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000175517
Common Names
- Serpent Partridge Pea
- Serpent Sensitive Plant
- Serpent Wild Senna
Synonyms
- Cassia serpens L. [valid]
- Cassia prostrata Kunth [unknown]
- Cassia flexuosa Mill. [unknown]
- Ophiocaulon serpens (L.) Raf. [valid]
Description
Chamaecrista serpens (also called snake cassia, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to South America, found in the Cerrado and Caatinga vegetation of Brazil. It typically grows in sandy soils and can reach heights of up to 2 meters.
Uses & Benefits
Chamaecrista serpens is used for making herbal tea and as a natural dye for fabrics. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat fever, stomachache, and other ailments.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Chamaecrista serpens var. delicata (Rose) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Chamaecrista serpens var. grandiflora (Benth.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Chamaecrista serpens var. mensarum (A.R.Molina) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Chamaecrista serpens var. wrightii (A.Gray) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Chamaecrista serpens var. serpens
Chamaecrista serpens var. isthmogenes H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Chamaecrista serpens var. oaxacana H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Chamaecrista serpens has small, yellow flowers with five petals. Its seeds are small, round and black. The seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Chamaecrista serpens is a perennial herb native to tropical America. It can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and planted in a well-drained soil. It prefers full sun and should be watered regularly and fertilized every few weeks.
Where to Find Chamaecrista serpens
Chamaecrista serpens is native to the tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It can be found in moist, lowland forests and savannas.
Chamaecrista serpens FAQ
What is the scientific name of Chamaecrista serpens?
Chamaecrista serpens
What is the common name of Chamaecrista serpens?
Serpent Partridgepea
What is the family of Chamaecrista serpens?
Fabaceae
Species in the Chamaecrista genus
Chamaecrista comosa,
Chamaecrista grantii,
Chamaecrista kirkii,
Chamaecrista nigricans,
Chamaecrista stricta,
Chamaecrista rotundifolia,
Chamaecrista usambarensis,
Chamaecrista nictitans,
Chamaecrista chrysosepala,
Chamaecrista didyma,
Chamaecrista glischrodes,
Chamaecrista hatschbachii,
Chamaecrista incurvata,
Chamaecrista onusta,
Chamaecrista aspidiifolia,
Chamaecrista bahiae,
Chamaecrista calycioides,
Chamaecrista chamaecristoides,
Chamaecrista deeringiana,
Chamaecrista desvauxii,
Chamaecrista diphylla,
Chamaecrista flexuosa,
Chamaecrista glandulosa,
Chamaecrista greggii,
Chamaecrista lineata,
Chamaecrista obcordata,
Chamaecrista pedicellaris,
Chamaecrista pilosa,
Chamaecrista portoricensis,
Chamaecrista pygmaea,
Chamaecrista roraimae,
Chamaecrista rufa,
Chamaecrista serpens,
Chamaecrista supplex,
Chamaecrista trichopoda,
Chamaecrista adiantifolia,
Chamaecrista anceps,
Chamaecrista aristata,
Chamaecrista atroglandulosa,
Chamaecrista basifolia,
Chamaecrista boyanii,
Chamaecrista bucherae,
Chamaecrista compitalis,
Chamaecrista cordistipula,
Chamaecrista coriacea,
Chamaecrista cuprea,
Chamaecrista cavalcantina,
Chamaecrista choriophylla,
Chamaecrista cathartica,
Chamaecrista catharticoides,
Species in the Fabaceae family