Oneleaf senna (Senna uniflora, Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 258 (1982))

Family: Fabaceae

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

Bibliography: Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 258 (1982)

Year: 1982

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Senna

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to Trop. America

Description

Oneleaf senna, scientifically known as Senna uniflora, is a captivating plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. This species, formally described in the botanical literature by (Mill.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby in 1982, is cataloged in the publication “Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 35: 258 (1982)”. It holds a significant position in the diverse and expansive legume family.

This enchanting plant is indigenous to a wide geographical range, extending from Mexico down through Tropical America. It thrives in the warm climates of these regions, where it contributes to the local biodiversity. The common name, Oneleaf senna, aptly describes its unique foliage, which is a distinct characteristic of this species.

Senna uniflora plays various roles in its native habitats, from contributing to soil health through nitrogen fixation—common among members of the Fabaceae family—to offering ecological benefits such as providing food and habitat for local fauna. The specific conditions of Mexico and Tropical America, such as the climate and soil composition, support the growth and proliferation of this species.

This plant represents not only an important ecological component but also a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists who study its characteristics and potential uses. Whether noted for its biological significance or its aesthetic value, Oneleaf senna stands out as a remarkable example of botanical diversity in its native regions.

Common Names

Eng: oneleaf senna
En: Oneleaf senna

Synonyms

• Cassia monantha (DC.)
• Cassia ornithopodioides (Steud.)
• Diallobus uniflorus ((Mill.) Raf.)
• Diallobus subuniflorus (Raf.)
• Emelista mucronulosa (Pittier)
• Cassia sensitiva (Jacq.)
• Cassia sericea (Sw.)
• Cassia mucronulosa ((Pittier) J.F.Macbr.)
• Cassia ornithopoides (Lam.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Galápagos (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• India (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Fruit

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

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

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

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

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

Leaf

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

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

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

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

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

Flower

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

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

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

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

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

Other

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2957498)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234687-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senna uniflora (Mill.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth