Cassia (Sickle Senna)
Cassia tora
Family: Fabaceae
Annual. Native to the tropics of the old and new world. This
is an upright plant with compound leaves in groupings of six. Bears
8-inch pods which contain many cylindrical seeds. The seeds are used
as a mordant in dyeing. They can also be roasted and ground, used
as a coffee substitute. The leaves contain anthroquinones, and are
employed in weak decoction for treating childhood teething, fever and constipation.
The paste of the ground, dried root is used in Ayurveda as a treatment
for ringworm and snakebite. Cultivation: Easy.
Sow seed in the greenhouse in very early spring for a head start, or sow
directly in the garden after the soil has warmed up. Thin or transplant
to 2 feet apart. Flowers to 4 feet tall.
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