Senna occidentalis (L.) Link

Coffee Senna

Senna_occidentalis_plant.jpg
STATS

Introduced
CC = *
CW = 3
MOC = 5

© DETenaglia

Family - Fabaceae/Caesalpinioideae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Senna_occidentalis_pressed_leaf.jpg Pressed leaf.

© DETenaglia

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Senna_occidentalis_inflorescence.jpg

© DETenaglia

Flowers - No info. yet.

Senna_occidentalis_flower.jpg

© DETenaglia

Senna_occidentalis_fruits.jpg Fruits.

© DETenaglia

Flowering - August - September.

Habitat - Low alluvial ground, roadsides, railroads.

Origin - Native to Central and South America.

Other info. - This striking plant can be found in just a handful of counties in Missouri. The plant is an introduced species and should not be willingly spread in the wild. It does, however, do quite well in captivity and is easily grown from seed. Many parts of the plant, such as the flowers, leaves, and fruits can be cooked and eaten. The seeds were (are) used as a coffee substitute.

Photographs taken in Winter Haven, FL., 6-18-02.