Senna alexandrina (Indian Senna) is a perennial shrub that is native to northern Africa and the Middle East. Indian Senna is heavily traded for its medicinal use and its ornamental value. Well known for its laxative effects, the plant thrives in hot and humid climates, is drought tolerant and is very attractive to bees.
Suitable for Temperate (annual), Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Senna alexandrina is also called Alexandrian Senna, French Senna, Egyptian Senna and when used as medicine is often referred to as Cassia Officinalis. When grown commercially as a medicinal herb, the plants are cut down semi-annually, dried in the sun, stripped and packed in palm leaf bags.
Several countries such as Kazakhstan, Somalia, Egypt, India and Sudan grow Indian Senna on a commercial scale. Most intriguing is the location in southern Kazakhstan, as for most of the year the region is cold, too cold for this species. However, as Indian Senna can be grown and harvested within a short growing period, it is possible for farmers to complete the lifecycle during their brief Summer months.
For more seed varieties that are grown for medicinal purposes please click here.
Growth
Senna alexandrina is a perennial, sometimes annual that grows to the short, shrubby height of around 1 metre (3 feet) but can rarely reach 2 metres. Indian Senna is fast-growing and easy to maintain, especially in warm, humid climates.
Plants can produce two harvests per year when grown in ideal conditions, but are also productive in producing one solid harvest when grown as an annual in cooler, temperate climates.
The flowers are relatively big in size, yellow and are arranged in racemes. Blossoms go brown soon after and are replaced by a legume fruit that is flat, oblong and contains roughly 5-6 seeds.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Fabaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate (annual), Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 30°C / 41 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Tolerant to most soils.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metres (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 50cm (20 inches)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Bees and Butterflies
MATURITY:
4-6 months in warmer climates
GERMINATION RATES:
70-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
Soak for 8 hours in hot water. Germination takes 14-21 days.
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Low
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 40
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 18-24 months.
FACTS ABOUT SENNA ALEXANDRINA (Indian Senna)
Throughout history, the fruits and leaves of Senna alexandrina were transported throughout Africa via camels and by boats along the Nile. From the major Egyptian port of Alexandria, Indian Senna could be shipped into Europe and then onto Asia. The major port was the reason behind the plants’ botanical name.
Indian Senna is widely used as a laxative. Its leaves and pods contain sennosides, which stimulate bowel movements but is not recommended for use beyond one week.
