Senna obliqua

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cassia obliqua
• Cassia peruviana
• Chamaefistula obliqua

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Finally, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is identified by the genus Senna.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific regions of Western South America. Its natural habitat includes the diverse landscapes of Ecuador. Additionally, the species is distributed throughout various parts of Peru. These locations represent the core geographical range for Senna obliqua. Consequently, its presence is closely tied to the environmental conditions of these two neighboring countries.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Senna obliqua is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily developing as a self-supporting shrub or small tree. As a terrestrial plant, it functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a non-aquatic life cycle in various land-based habitats. The plant exhibits a sturdy, self-supporting structure without the need for climbing mechanisms like lianas or vines. In terms of physical stature, it reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 6 meters, supported by its woody stems and branches.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Senna obliqua is characterized by its metabolic processes and structural adaptations suited to its environmental niche. A fundamental aspect of its energy production is its photosynthetic pathway, which follows the C3 mechanism. In this process, carbon dioxide is fixed directly from the atmosphere into a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglycerate, via the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and gas exchange patterns, as it relies on maintaining a balance between stomatal conductance for CO2 uptake and minimizing transpiration. The plant's physiological vigor is further supported by its nutrient uptake and water transport systems, which facilitate the synthesis of bioactive anthraquinone glycosides within its tissues.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Senna obliqua has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit, stem.

Fruit

1. Journal of natural products

Stem

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Senna obliqua has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Quinquangulin, Rubrofusarin.

Quinquangulin

1. Journal of natural products

Rubrofusarin

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Senna obliqua has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include methanolic extract of the stem and fruits.

Methanolic extract of the stem and fruits

1. Journal of natural products