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STORIES

Candle bush

Candle bush

Senna cf. alata (Fabaceae)

Characteristics

Shrub, up to 4 m tall. Leaves 50-80 cm long (with many leaflets). Inflorescence looks like a yellow candle (“Candle bush”). Fruit shaped like a straight pod, up to 25 cm long. Seeds distributed by water or animals.

Distribution

Native to most of the Neotropics (from Mexico and the West Indies to Paraguay) and can be found in diverse habitats. Invasive species in Austronesia. Planted as medicinal and ornamental plant in Southeast Asia, Australia and Africa

Natural Medical Properties

No known.

Did you know?

The leaves close in the dark.

The Candle bush is often called “Ringworm bush” because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin.

Further reading:

Literature

World Flora Online
WorldChecklist of Selected Plant Families
A working list of all plant species

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