Senna velutina

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cassia velutina
• Cassia dysophylla

Sources: Wikidata

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. Finally, it is identified by the genus Senna, specifically as the species Senna velutina.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several regions of the South American continent. In Northern South America, its distribution includes the countries of Guyana and Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, the species can also be found in Bolivia. Within Brazil, it is widely spread throughout the Northeast region. Additionally, the plant is documented to grow within the West-Central area of Brazil.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Senna velutina is characterized by its preference for the Cerrado (latu sensu) biome, where it integrates into the complex structural and biological diversity of this tropical savanna ecosystem. This species is adapted to low-altitude environments, occupying an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 500 m AMSL. Within these specific altitudinal limits, the plant thrives under the environmental conditions typical of the Cerrado, which often include seasonal rainfall patterns and nutrient-limited soils.

Elevational range max:

500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Senna velutina is characterized by its classification as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, the plant does not complete its life cycle in a single season like annuals or two seasons like biennials; instead, it maintains a continuous presence, often developing robust root systems that support repeated vegetative growth and flowering cycles. This longevity enables the plant to adapt to seasonal fluctuations and establish a stable footprint within its ecological niche, contributing to its long-term survival and reproductive success through successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Senna velutina is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structure that reaches a maximum plant height of approximately 3 meters. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic plant, maintaining an independent existence without being an obligatory or facultative parasite. Its growth habit is strictly self-supporting rather than acting as a liana, vine, or climber, and it develops a distinct woody composition throughout its stems.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Senna velutina 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 leaf, root.

Leaf

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Root

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Chemicals

Senna velutina has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Epicatechin, Epigallocatechin, Flavonoids, RUTIN.

Epicatechin

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Epigallocatechin

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Flavonoids

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

RUTIN

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Conditions

Senna velutina has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include melanoma.

Melanoma

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)

Preparations

Senna velutina has 2 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethanol extract, extract of the roots.

Ethanol extract

1. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity

Extract of the roots

1. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)