Status:
valid
Authors:
(J.F.Bailey & C.T.White) Randell
Source:
tro
Year:
1989
Citation Micro:
J. Adelaide Bot. Gard.12: 206 (1989)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001061562
Common Names
- Senna Costata
- Bastard Senna
- Coffee Senna
Description
Senna costata (also called Costate Senna, among many other common names) is a shrub native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It grows to a height of up to 10 feet, with trifoliate leaves and small, yellow flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Senna costata is used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, skin diseases, and malaria. It is also used as a natural insecticide and for its ornamental value.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Senna costata is yellow in color and has 5 petals. The seed is a flat, oblong-shaped pod with a pointed tip. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with two opposite leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Senna costata is a slow-growing, drought-tolerant species that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining, sandy soil and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Both seed and cuttings should be kept in a warm, sunny location.
Where to Find Senna costata
Senna costata is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Species in the Senna genus
Senna corymbosa,
Senna didymobotrya,
Senna septemtrionalis,
Senna bacillaris,
Senna hirsuta,
Senna italica,
Senna ligustrina,
Senna multijuga,
Senna obtusifolia,
Senna occidentalis,
Senna pendula,
Senna polyphylla,
Senna alexandrina,
Senna siamea,
Senna sophera,
Senna spectabilis,
Senna splendida,
Senna timoriensis,
Senna multiglandulosa,
Senna tora,
Senna acanthoclada,
Senna aculeata,
Senna acuparata,
Senna acuruensis,
Senna acutisepala,
Senna affinis,
Senna andrieuxii,
Senna angulata,
Senna angustisiliqua,
Senna aphylla,
Senna apiculata,
Senna apsidoneura,
Senna araucarietorum,
Senna argentea,
Senna arida,
Senna aristeguietae,
Senna armata,
Senna arnottiana,
Senna aurantia,
Senna aversiflora,
Senna aymara,
Senna bauhinioides,
Senna benitoensis,
Senna birostris,
Senna brongniartii,
Senna burkartiana,
Senna cajamarcae,
Senna cana,
Senna candolleana,
Senna caudata,
Species in the Fabaceae family