Senna L.
Genus composed of about 270 species distributed around the tropics, represented in the territory by 4 native shrub species, although one, S. occidentalis (L.) Link (Cassia occidentalis L.), from Egypt [Fl. Egypt (Boulos) 1: 361 (1999)], is generally herbaceous. From the same genus there are some cultivated species in the territory, including S. bicapsularis (L.) Roxb. (C. bicapsularis L.), in Morocco and Egypt, and S. multiglandulosa (Jacq.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby (C. multiglandulosa Jacq.) in Morocco. Both are native to South America.
Bentham, G. 1871. Revision of the genus Cassia. Transactions of the Linnean Society of London 27: 503-591.
Brenan, J.P.M. 1958. New and noteworthy cassias from tropical Africa. Kew Bulletin 13: 231-252.
Lock, J.M. 1988. Cassia sens. Lat. (Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae) in Africa. Kew Bulletin 43(2): 333-342.
Key to species
1 Leaves with obovate, obtuse leaflets; pod valves traversed by a longitudinal ridge made by a crest or wing developed at each seed Senna italica
1 Leaves with lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, acute leaflets; pod valves not traversed by a longitudinal crest 2
2 Petals 7-17 mm; pod (3)7.4 × 1.6-2.6 cm; leaves with petiole and rachis glabrous or glabrescent Senna alexandrina
2 Petals 4-8 mm; pod 2.5-4(5) × 1.2-2(2.5) cm; leaves with petiole and rachis densely hairy Senna holosericea
Updated by: J.A. Devesa.