Appearance
The shrub stands 3–4 m tall, with leaves 50–80 cm long. The inflorescence looks like a yellow candle. The fruit shaped like a straight pod is up to 25 cm long. Its seed are distributed by water or animals. The leaves close in the dark.
Naming
Synonyms:Cassia alata L.
Cassia alata L. var. perennis Pamp.
Cassia alata L. var. rumphiana DC.
Cassia bracteata L.f.
Cassia herpetica Jacq.
Cassia rumphiana (DC.) Bojer
Herpetica alata (L.) Raf.
Distribution
Senna alata is native to Mexico, and can be found in diverse habitats. In the tropics it grows up to an altitude of 1,200 meters. It is an invasive species in Austronesia.
Reproduction
The seed pods are nearly straight, dark brown or nearly black, about 15 cm long and 15 mm wide. On both sides of the pods there is a wing that runs the length of the pod. Pods contains 50 to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.Uses
Senna alata is often called the Ringworm Bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The leaves are ground in a mortar to obtain a kind of "green cotton wool". This is mixed with the same amount of vegetable oil then rubbed on the affected area 2-3 times a day. A fresh preparation is made every day. Its active ingredients include the yellow chrysophanic acid.Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone content, is also well proven.
Cultural
In Sri Lanka this is used as an ingredient of Sinhala traditional medicine.References:
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