Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
|---|---|
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Maximum Height | 1.7 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Southern Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Grassland / Savannah/ Scrubland) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | A bushy, low-lying to upright shrub growing up to 1.5m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are pinnately compound with 16 - 76 leaflet pairs. They are alternate (leaves occur singly) and sessile (leaves directly connected to the stem without an intervening stalk). Oblong leaflets are approximately rectangular with a truncate leaf apex. |
| Stems | Woody stems are covered in hairs that are usually short and curled, but occasionally longer and extended. |
| Flowers | Yellow, bisexual flowers have five petals. Petals are obovate (wide and round at the tip, but narrow and pointed at the base) and unequal in size (0.4 - 1.3 cm long, 0.2 - 0.9 cm wide). Flowers occur singly about midway between 2 adjacent leaf nodes. |
| Fruit | Dehiscent, dry fruits are known as legume pods. Dark brown, flattened pods (3.5 - 8 cm long, 0.4 cm wide) are linear and contain many brown seeds (0.2 - 0.3 cm long, 0.1 - 0.2 cm wide) and occur singly or in clusters. |
| Habitat | Occurs on moist soil in forests, grasslands, lakes, river beds and seashores. Found at altitudes from 0 - 2,740 m. |
| Cultivation | This species should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH = 6.3 - 7.3). It grows best in a humid environment. |
| Etymology | The genus "Cassia" is Latin for a plant similar to cinnamon. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Food (Herb or Spice) Medicinal: This species is used to treat a wide variety of ailments, such as diarrhea, dysentery and gastrointestinal problems. It is thought to help fractures heal. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden, Golden Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Host Plant (Associated with: ) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Smooth |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 492 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1788 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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