Retama Prieta

Senna polyphylla

Native to:
Brazil, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Senna
Species:
Senna polyphylla
USDA Symbol:
SEPO5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from the base after fire or cutting; typical of tropical dry forest shrubs.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to rocky hillsides and dry forests

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Scarification by nicking or hot water treatment improves germination. Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI