Contents
Description
Cassia Roxburghii, also known as Roxburgh’s Cassia, is a tree species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to India, it has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and is known for its medicinal properties. The tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and has a wide range of uses, from timber and fuel to traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cassia |
Appearance
Cassia Roxburghii has a distinctive appearance, with a wide, spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk. The leaves are compound and alternate, with 3-8 leaflets that are oval or elliptical in shape. The tree produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, and these are followed by elongated seed pods that can reach up to 40 cm in length.
Care Guide
Cassia Roxburghii is a hardy tree that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:
- Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the dry season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year, in early spring.
- Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
- Sunlight: Cassia Roxburghii requires full sunlight to thrive.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cassia Roxburghii is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be affected by the following:
- Borers: These are insects that bore into the tree trunk and can cause damage. Use insecticides to control them.
- Mites: These are tiny insects that feed on the leaves and can cause them to turn yellow or brown. Use miticides to control them.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Use fungicides to control it.
Habitat
Cassia Roxburghii is native to India, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats, from dry forests and scrublands to riverbanks and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cassia Roxburghii edible?
A: Yes, the seed pods of the tree are edible and are used in traditional Indian cuisine.
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Cassia Roxburghii?
A: The tree has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin disorders.
Q: How fast does Cassia Roxburghii grow?
A: The tree is a fast grower and can reach a height of up to 5 meters in just 2-3 years.
Q: Can Cassia Roxburghii be grown in containers?
A: While the tree can be grown in containers, it is not recommended as it can grow quite large and requires a lot of space.
Related Plants
- Cassia Fistula
- Cassia Tora
- Cassia Siamea
- Cassia Spectabilis
References
- Banerjee, A., & Chatterjee, A. (2014). Cassia Roxburghii: A Review of its Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Potentials. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(8), 10-17.
- Mukherjee, P. K., & Wahile, A. (2006). Integrated Approaches Towards Drug Development from Ayurveda and Other Indian System of Medicines. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 103(1), 25-35.
- Nandakumar, N. S., & Gobinath, M. (2015). Cassia Roxburghii: A Review on its Ethnobotany, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Profile. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 5(1), 96-103.
