Contents
Description
Senna Siamea, also known as Siamese cassia or Thai cassia, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the family Fabaceae. The tree is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental and medicinal properties. It is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 20 meters and a trunk diameter of 50 centimeters.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Senna |
Appearance
Senna Siamea has a straight and cylindrical trunk with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth when young but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnate, with 4-6 pairs of leaflets that are elliptical in shape and about 2-6 centimeters in length. The tree produces showy, bright yellow flowers that are about 3-5 centimeters in diameter and bloom in clusters on the branches. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that is about 10-20 centimeters in length and contains up to 20 seeds.
Care Guide
Senna Siamea is a low-maintenance tree that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to care for your Senna Siamea:Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during the dry season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer in early spring before the new growth appears.Soil: Senna Siamea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.5).Sunlight: Senna Siamea prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Senna Siamea is hardy in USDA zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senna Siamea is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to anthracnose, leaf spot, and root rot. To prevent these problems, make sure your tree is planted in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Senna Siamea is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly found in lowland forests, riverbanks, and open grasslands. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental and medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Senna Siamea a medicinal plant?
A: Yes, Senna Siamea has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, diarrhea, and skin diseases.Q: Can Senna Siamea be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Senna Siamea can be grown in a container but it may not reach its full potential size.Q: Is Senna Siamea a fast-growing tree?
A: Yes, Senna Siamea is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 20 meters in just a few years.Q: Can Senna Siamea be used for timber?
A: Yes, Senna Siamea wood is used for furniture, construction, and paper pulp.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Senna Siamea:- Senna alata (candlestick plant)- Senna occidentalis (coffee senna)- Senna tora (sicklepod)- Senna bicapsularis (yellow cassia)
References
– “Senna siamea.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b236.- “Senna siamea.” PlantNet, plantnet.org/english/plantnames/Senna%20siamea.html.- “Senna siamea.” Purdue University, hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Senna_siamea.html.
