Flor de san jose (Senna atomaria, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 588 (1982))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby

Bibliography: Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 588 (1982)

Year: 1982

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senna

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Venezuela, Caribbean

Description

Flor de san jose, recognized scientifically as Senna atomaria, is a distinguished species within the renowned Fabaceae family. This captivating plant is remarkable for its contribution to the rich tapestry of flora spanning from Mexico to Venezuela, extending its presence into the diverse environments of the Caribbean.

Flor de san jose thrives in a variety of habitats, a testament to its adaptability and resilience. The species achieves notable recognition not only for its ecological versatility but also for its delicate and attractive flowers. The blossoms of Senna atomaria embody both visual appeal and biological significance, contributing to the intricate ecosystems where they flourish.

The presence of Senna atomaria in such widespread regions highlights its ecological importance. As a member of the Fabaceae family, this species plays a crucial role in its environment, often participating actively in nitrogen fixation, an essential process for soil fertility and ecosystem sustainability.

The scientific recording and study of Senna atomaria were significantly advanced through the detailed work documented in the “Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 588 (1982),” under the authoritative classification by (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby. Their research has provided extensive insights into the characteristics, distribution, and ecological roles of this species, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of its existence.

In summary, Flor de san jose (Senna atomaria) is a species of profound ecological and botanical interest, striking in its appearance and vital in its functions. Its widespread distribution from Mexico through the Caribbean underscores its adaptability and the crucial ecological roles it plays in these regions.

Common Names

Eng: flor de san jose
En: Flor de san jose

Synonyms

• Cassia longisiliqua (L.f.)
• Cassia triflora (Vahl)
• Diplotax arborescens ((Mill.) Raf.)
• Isandrina maxonii (Britton & Rose)
• Cassia arborescens (Mill.)
• Cassia lorentzii (Niederl.)
• Cassia chrysophylla (A.Rich.)
• Cassia emarginata var. subunijuga (B.L.Rob. & Bartlett)
• Cassia graveolens (Colla)
• Cassia atomaria (L.)
• Cassia grisea (A.Rich.)
• Cassia michoacanensis (Sessé & Moc.)
• Cassia elliptica (Kunth)

Distribution

• Aruba (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Netherlands Antilles (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 21, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Nov 25, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Marzanna Bug (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 12, 2020 by Alfredo Dorantes Euan (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2957695)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234410-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senna atomaria (L.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth