Cassia leptophylla

Cassia leptophylla is a tropical tree from the Fabaceae family of plants. It is native to Brazil. They also call it the Medallion Tree. The name leptophylla is a compound word meaning narrow leaf.

The foliage is glossy green and pinnate. The flowers are bright yellow and fragrant. They grow in terminal clusters. Cassia leptophylla can flower several times a year, in temperate climates, but it usually does flower in summer sometimes continuing in autumn.

It grows at a moderate rate to about 25ft or 9m tall. It is usually evergreen but it could lose leaves due to cold weather. After flowering, it produces dark brown seedpods. The seedpods could be about 12in or 30cm long. They use the sticky pulp in the seedpods in traditional medicine.

How to grow Cassia leptophylla:

Grow Cassia leptophylla in the sun or light shade. Plant it in average, medium moisture but well-drained soil. Once established they are somewhat drought tolerant. Shelter from drying winds. Propagate from seed. Generally, it is disease-free and pest-free. Watch out for mildew and leaf spot. It tolerates coastal situations. The flowers attract butterflies.