Family: Fabaceae
Author: Mill.
Bibliography: Gard. Dict. ed. 8: n.º 2 (1768)
Year: 1768
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Senna
Vegetable: False
Observations: Africa to Indian Subcontinent
Description
Spanish senna, scientifically known as Senna italica, is a remarkable plant species falling under the Fabaceae family. First described in the 8th edition of the “Gardener’s Dictionary” by esteemed botanist Philip Miller in 1768, this plant has since been a topic of interest among botanists and horticulturists.
Found predominantly across diverse regions from Africa to the Indian subcontinent, Spanish senna thrives in a variety of climatic conditions. The regions’ diverse ecosystems have contributed to the plant’s adaptability and resilience, enabling it to flourish in numerous environments.
The Spanish senna is renowned for its striking appearance. It typically features vibrant yellow flowers that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of natural landscapes but also attract pollinators. Its leaves are pinnate, offering a lush green foliage that complements the bright blossoms. This combination makes it a popular choice for ornamental gardening and landscape design.
Beyond its visual appeal, Spanish senna holds significant importance in traditional medicine. Various cultures within its native range have utilized parts of the plant for their potential health benefits. Historically, the leaves have been used in herbal remedies, often as a natural laxative. The plant’s pharmacological properties are attributed to the presence of compounds known as anthraquinones, which are active in promoting digestive health.
In agriculture, Spanish senna is also valued for its role in soil enrichment. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it engages in symbiotic nitrogen fixation with soil bacteria. This process enhances soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can readily absorb, thus supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Spanish senna, with its multifaceted benefits and striking appearance, continues to be a subject of study and admiration. Whether appreciated for its medicinal properties, environmental benefits, or simple beauty, this resilient plant remains a noteworthy species within botany and ecology.
Common Names
Eng: italian senna, port royal senna, spanish senna, dog senna
En: Spanish senna, Italian senna, Dog senna, Indian senna, Tinnevelly senna plant, Port Royal senna, Port Royal Wild Sensitive-plant
Ar: امباركى, سلميكه (سَلميكه، سِلميكه), سمليكه (سَمَليكه)، شرقان (شِرقان), سنا (سَنَّا), سنا غنيم (سَنا غِنيم), سنا، سنامكه الكلب, سنامكه بلدى, سنامكى (سَنامكى، سِنامكى), عشرفه
Fr: Semma
He: סנא מדברי
: Port royal senna
Synonyms
- Cassia obovata (Collad.)
- Senna obovata (Link)
Distribution
- Algeria (native)
- Angola (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Egypt (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Free State (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Gulf States (native)
- India (native)
- Iran (native)
- Iraq (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- Libya (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sinai (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
- Western Sahara (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Aruba (introduced)
- Benin (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Maryland (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
- Uzbekistan (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by Dominique Wernert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Tom Chattle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by Dominique Wernert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2020 by Bargahi Rahman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Hoom Mehdy (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 16, 2019 by Dominique Wernert (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2022 by Dr Sandeep Kumar Yadav (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Leigh Winowiecki (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 31, 2021 by Judith Fliegmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Abdulghaffar Alirezaie (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Cyril Piou (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 6, 2020 by RHSJ (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Abdulghaffar Alirezaie (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/2957095)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:518341-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Senna italica Mill.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
