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Candlestick Senna Wikimedia Commons
Fabaceae

Candlestick Senna

Senna didymobotrya

Boldness and warmth.

Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Senna
Native to
East Africa, Kenya, Uganda
Bloom season
Summer, Fall
Type
tropical shrub
Height
6-10 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
Well-drained, moderately fertile
Water
moderate
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The leaves emit a strong scent reminiscent of peanut butter when crushed, earning the nickname 'peanut butter cassia.'
  • Black, bud-like bracts at the top of each flower spike create a dramatic contrast with the bright yellow blooms.
  • In its native Africa, the plant is used medicinally to treat malaria and intestinal worms.
  • Candlestick senna can grow up to three feet in a single season in warm climates.
  • The plant's seed pods can reach 5 inches long and rattle when dry, dispersing seeds as wind shakes them.

Color meanings

0

confidence

1

warmth

2

exuberance

Uses

  • ornamental tropical gardens
  • traditional African medicine
  • butterfly gardens