Cassia afrofistula Brenan

KA-see-a  af-row-FIST-u-la

Caesalpiniaceae (Legumes)

Key to Cassia L

Explanation of name: Cassia is an ancient Greek name (DEH).   Afro means African and  fistula means hollow (STE).

Natural range: Africa (ISE)

Recognition: Small tree. Leaves pinnate with 6-8 pairs of elliptic to ovate-lanceolate leaflets, 1"- 4" long.  Flowers yellow, 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" in diameter, in erect compound racemes.  Fruit linear, brittle legume, 12"-24" long (ISE).

Landscape uses: Specimen tree (PBCC)