Alexandrian Senna
Senna alexandrina
- Native to:
- Algeria, Central African Republic, Chad, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gulf of Guinea Is., India, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Socotra, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan-South Sudan, Yemen
Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Senna
- Species:
- Senna alexandrina
- USDA Symbol:
- SEAL5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions, prefers dry conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat; germination occurs in 1-3 weeks at warm temperatures.