Family: Fabaceae
Author: DC.
Bibliography: Prodr. 2: 489 (1825)
Year: 1825
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cassia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to NW. Uganda
Description
The Drumstick tree, scientifically known as Cassia sieberiana, is a plant native to Western Tropical Africa and extends its natural habitat up to Northwestern Uganda. This remarkable species belongs to the Fabaceae family, a large and diverse family commonly known for its significant economic and ecological roles, including nitrogen fixation.
First described in 1825 by the botanist DC., Cassia sieberiana has stood out for its distinct characteristics and widespread occurrence in tropical regions. Its appearance is marked by long, drumstick-like pods, which not only contribute to the common name but are also a defining feature of the species.
Thriving in the varied climates of tropical Africa, the Drumstick tree is well-adapted to the environmental conditions of its native range. It often grows in open woodlands and grasslands, where it plays a crucial role in the local ecosystems. The tree’s robust nature allows it to survive under different soil and climatic conditions, making it a resilient part of the flora in these regions.
In addition to its ecological value, Cassia sieberiana is recognized for its multifaceted benefits. Locally, parts of the tree are often used in traditional medicine, where various extracts are believed to have therapeutic properties. The timber, too, is valued for construction and artisanal purposes, contributing to the socio-economic fabric of the communities where it grows.
Overall, the Drumstick tree is a testament to the rich and diverse plant life of the African tropics. Its scientific documentation, dating back to the early 19th century, underlines its long-standing recognition and the ongoing interest in its botanical and practical attributes.
Common Names
En: Drumstick Tree, African Laburnum
Bm: Sinsan
Ha: Araho
Synonyms
- Cassia kotschyana (Oliv.)
- Cassia sieberiana var. macrocarpa (Pellegr.)
- Cassia conspicua ((G.Don) Vogel)
- Cathartocarpus conspicuus (G.Don)
- Cathartocarpus sieberianus ((DC.) G.Don)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zaïre (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Habit
Taken Dec 12, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 12, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Apr 30, 2019 by Siqueira Kauã (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2020 by Yves Grau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 28, 2014 by Tela Botanica − S. Paulin KOURA (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2022 by ESPOIR ANDJI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 17, 2021 by Thiam Moussa (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 27, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Malate João (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 12, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:485224-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5357182)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cassia sieberiana DC.)
