Senna alata

Senna alata or Cassia alata is a member of the Fabaceae family of plants. It is also is known by the following common names, Candletree, Candelabra Bush, Candle Bush, Emperor’s Candlestick, Craw-Craw Plant, Acapulo, Christmas Candles, and Ringworm Shrub. It is native to Central and South America from Mexico to Southe Indies and Paraguay. This shrub can grow up to 4m or 13ft, it is tropical and evergreen. The leaves which close in the dark could be as big as 80cm or 31in and are pinnately compound and dark green. You can also grow Senna alata in containers. It produces spikes of bright yellow cup-shaped flowers with five petals in autumn. After flowering, it produces bean-like seed pods.

Senna alata prefers full sun in average moisture but well-drained soil. Once it is established it is drought tolerant. It is generally disease-free, but watch out for aphids and whiteflies, especially if it is ground indoors. Propagate from seeds. This shrub is sometimes grown as an annual.

Senna alata is a medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of a variety of illnesses such as typhoid, malaria, ringworms, scabies, diabetes, herpes, eczema, and tinea infections.