Desert Cassia

Senna polyphylla (Jacquin) H.S. Irwin & Barneby

SEN-na    paul-ee-FILL-ah

Synonym: Cassia polyphylla Jacq.   (FRA, GRIN)

Caesalpiniaceae (Legumes)

Key to Senna Mill.

Explanation of name: Senna is a Greek work adapted from the Arabic word sana which means tender tree or shrub (AUS, PBCC).   The Latin word  polyphilla means many leaves.(STE).

Natural range: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands (BA2, FRA)

Recognition: Shrub or tree.  Leaves pinnate with 3-15 pairs of oval leaflets, less than 1/2" long. Flowers yellow, 1-½" wide, in racemes.  Fruit slender brown legume, 6" long (BA2, FRA)

Landscape uses: Specimen shrub, small landscape tree, rock garden  (FRA)

Internet source: Francis, J. K. Senna polyphylla. Dept of Agriculture, Forestry Service. Available at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/global/iitf/pdf/shrubs/Senna polyphylla.pdf