Senna occidentalis
Content
Description
Erect, subglabrous, foetid herb or undershrub 1.5-2 m tall, usually annual (in any case in seasonal climates).
Leaves with 3-5(-6) pairs of leaflets; petiole 3-4 cm long with a relatively large, ovoid gland just above the petiole joint; rachis 8-12 cm.
Stipules triangular to linear-acute, more or less falcate, 1-2 cm long.
Sepals unequal, outer ones orbicular, c. 6 mm diam., inner ones ovate, larger.
Petals yellow with violet veins, 2 outer slightly larger, 1-2 by 1.5 cm, short-clawed.
Stamens: 2 long with filaments 5-6 mm long, anthers 5-7 mm long, opening by apical pores; 4 with filaments 2-3 mm and anthers 5-6 mm opening the same way; reduced stamens with 3-4 mm long filaments and tiny anthers.
Ovary tomentose; style glabrous; stigma lateral, small.
Seeds 30-40, flat, orbicular, 3-4 mm diam.
Distribution
Asia-Tropical, South America present
Of South American origin, now one of the most widespread of the weedy Sennas found throughout the warmer parts of the world. In the Malesian area an immigrant of long standing.South AmericaMalesia
Uses
As the English name 'Nigger coffee' indicates the seeds are widely used as a substitute for coffee; this use is also reported from Borneo. From other areas also medicinal uses are reported. See
Citation
Miq. 1855 – In: Fl. Ind. Bat.: 94
de Wit 1956 – In: Webbia: 256
K. & S.S. Larsen 1980: p. 93. – In: Fl. Camb., Laos & Vietnam: pl. 16/2-4
Hassk. 1848: Pl. Jav. Rar.: 405.
Irwin & Barneby 1982 – In: Mem. N.Y. Bot. Gard.: 436.
K. & S.S. Larsen 1984: p. 113. – In: Fl. Thailand: f. 28/2-4.
Backer & Bakh.f 1964 – In: Fl. Java: 538
Ridley 1922 – In: Fl. Malay Penins.: 618
Prain 1896 – In: J. As. Soc. Beng.: 160, 474, 476