| Etymology | Genus | From the Arabic name Sana |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Winged; referring to the winged fruits | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Cassia alata L., Cassia bracteata L.f. | |
| Common Names | Seven Golden Candlesticks, Ringworm Tree | |
| Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
| Form | Shrub | |
| Native Distribution | Northern part of South America | |
Diagnostics:
Senna alata is a shrub that can be found growing wild in our scrublands. Its erect and flaming yellow-orange inflorescence makes it easy to identify. The leaflets are also rather diagnostic, being large and almost rectangular.
Interesting Facts:
The Seven Golden Candlesticks is one of the first few plants that I learnt, and I remembered asking "what's with the seven"? Apparently, this name originated from the Bible in the Old Testament when God instructed Moses to make a golden lampstand with 6 branches (adding to a total of 7) to be placed in the holy tentage for worshipping him (Exodus 25: 31-40).
Form of the Seven Golden Candlesticks.
Compound leaf.
Inflorescence with developing fruits.
Close-up of a leaflet.
Fruits are 4-winged.
References
-Author: Siyang
Posted: 2014-02-16 / Modified: 2017-12-25
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