Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
silvestris
ID:
176031

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Vell.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby

Source:
ildis

Year:
1982

Citation Micro:
Mem. New York Bot. Gard.35: 87 (1982)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000175360

Common Names

  • Silver Senna
  • Silver Cassia
  • Wild Senna

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Synonyms

  • Cassia silvestris Vell. [valid]
  • Senna silvestris silvestris [unknown]
  • Cassia sylvestris Wikstr. [unknown]
  • Senna lucens Vogel [unknown]

Description

Senna silvestris (also called Wild senna, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree found in the tropical regions of South America. It has a spreading crown and grows to a height of up to 5 m. It has pinnate leaves and yellow flowers with five petals. It is found in tropical forests, open woodlands, and along roadsides.

Uses & Benefits

Senna silvestris is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and laxative properties.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Senna silvestris var. sapindifolia (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Senna silvestris sub. silvestris
Senna silvestris var. guaranitica (Chodat & Hassl.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Senna silvestris var. unifaria H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Senna silvestris var. velutina H.S.Irwin & Barneby
Senna silvestris sub. bifaria H.S.Irwin & Barneby

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Senna silvestris has yellow flowers with five petals and a long, curved style. The seeds are small, black, and oblong. The seedlings are green and have two cotyledons.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Senna silvestris can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny position and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and planted in a warm, sunny position. Keep the soil moist and provide some shade until the cuttings have rooted.

Where to Find Senna silvestris

Senna silvestris is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina.

Senna silvestris FAQ

What is the scientific name of Senna silvestris?

Senna silvestris

What is the growth rate of Senna silvestris?

Senna silvestris has a slow to moderate growth rate.

What is the ideal soil type for Senna silvestris?

Senna silvestris prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils.

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

References

José Mariano de Conceição Vellozo (1742-1811): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Vell.' in the authors string.
Rupert Charles Barneby (1911-2000): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Barneby' in the authors string.
Howard Samuel Irwin (1928-2019): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'H.S.Irwin' in the authors string.