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Description
Senna Polyphylla, commonly known as the Desert Senna, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This plant species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and it is widely used for medicinal purposes in traditional Native American medicine. The plant’s scientific name is derived from the Greek word ‘senna’, which means ‘a kind of plant used as a purgative’, and the Latin word ‘polyphylla’, which means ‘many-leaved’.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Senna |
Appearance
The Desert Senna is a small to medium-sized shrub that can grow up to 3 meters tall. The plant has thin branches that are covered with small, green, oval-shaped leaves that are arranged in a pinnate pattern. The leaves are about 1-2 cm long and have a smooth texture on top, while the bottom side is slightly hairy. The plant’s flowers are yellow and grow in clusters along the branches. They bloom from late spring to early summer and are followed by long, flat seed pods that are about 5-10 cm long.
Care Guide
The Desert Senna is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires moderate watering. Water the plant once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and rocky soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun and can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Desert Senna is generally a pest-resistant plant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases if the plant is overwatered or exposed to high humidity. Some common pests that can affect this plant include spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies. You can control these pests by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Desert Senna is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant can be found in a variety of habitats, including desert scrub, rocky slopes, and canyons. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Desert Senna a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, the plant is used for medicinal purposes in traditional Native American medicine. The plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including constipation, fever, and skin conditions.
Q: Can the Desert Senna be grown in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is provided with enough sunlight and water.
Q: What is the plant’s growth rate?
A: The plant has a moderate growth rate and can grow up to 3 meters tall.
Q: How often should I prune the Desert Senna?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and promote new growth.
Related Plants
- Senna Alata
- Senna Didymobotrya
- Senna Occidentalis
- Senna Spectabilis
References
- “Senna Polyphylla.” DesertUSA, https://www.desertusa.com/flora/senna-polyphylla.html
- “Senna Polyphylla.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SEPO2
- “Senna Polyphylla.” USDA Plants Database, https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SEPO2
