Argentine Senna

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Argentine Senna
• Autumn Cassia
• Golden Senna

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cassia corymbosa
• Cassia crassifolia
• Chamaefistula corymbosa
• Cassia bonariensis
• Adipera corymbosa

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. It is further identified by the genus Senna, specifically as the species Sennoside corymbosa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several continents. In Europe, its range extends through Spain in the southwest and Italy in the southeast. The species is also found within the Macaronesian region, specifically inhabiting the Canary Islands. Moving to the southern hemisphere, it is well-established in the Cape Provinces of Southern Africa. Additionally, its presence is noted in the KwaZulu-Natal region of Southern Africa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Senna corymbosa is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse environmental landscapes and significant altitudinal variations. This species thrives within a variety of habitats, ranging from anthropized areas (Área Antrópica) and open grasslands (Campo Limpo) to the more complex ecosystems of the Cerrado (latu sensu) and Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila/Pluvial). Its vertical distribution is extensive, allowing it to inhabit environments from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 1450 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1450 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Campo Limpo, Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Senna corymbosa is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a phanerophyte, its reproductive buds are elevated above the ground on woody stems, a structural adaptation that defines its growth habit. This species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that it retains its foliage throughout much of its life cycle rather than shedding all leaves seasonally. Categorized under the broader phanerophyte life form classification, the plant utilizes its elevated stem structure to navigate its ecological niche, supporting a continuous biological presence within its habitat.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Senna corymbosa is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, displaying a self-supporting structure that does not function as a climber, liana, or vine. As an independent organism, it does not exhibit parasitic behavior and is classified as a terrestrial plant rather than an epiphyte. The plant maintains a robust, woody constitution, typically reaching a height ranging from a minimum of 1.5 m to a maximum of 5 m. Its habit is strictly terrestrial, occupying land environments without transitioning into aquatic or semiaquatic habitats.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Plant height min:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Senna corymbosa is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which governs its carbon fixation processes and energy production. The plant exhibits a specific vegetative morphology where the leaves are arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. These leaves are elliptic in form, possessing dimensions that typically range from a minimum length of 2.5 cm to a maximum length of 5 cm. In terms of lateral expansion, the leaf width is relatively narrow, fluctuating between a minimum of 0.5 cm and a maximum of 1 cm.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

elliptic

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length min:

2.5 cm

Leaf width max:

1 cm

Leaf width min:

0.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Senna corymbosa is characterized by a distinct flowering period that typically begins in May and concludes in August, though the timing can be variable. During this reproductive phase, the plant produces yellow flowers that can reach a maximum length of 1.5 cm. These flowers are arranged in a raceme inflorescence, facilitating pollination. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds with varying physical properties; the seed mass ranges from a minimum of 0.0182 g to a maximum of 0.0262 g, with an average seed mass of approximately 0.02245 g.

Flower colour :

yellow

Flower length max:

1.5 cm

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Aug

Inflorescence :

raceme

Seed mass max:

0.0262 g

Seed mass mean:

0.02245 g

Seed mass min:

0.0182 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Senna corymbosa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Anthraquinones, Flavonoids, Tannins.

Anthraquinones

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Flavonoids

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Tannins

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Preparations

Senna corymbosa has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Aqueous extracts.

Aqueous extracts

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR