Cassia tora Seeds | Chinese Senna
LATIN NAME: Cassia tora
COMMON NAME: Chinese Senna, Sickle Senna, Jue Ming Zi
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Chinese Senna (Cassia tora) is an upright, herb in the pea family, native to warm regions of Asia, while it is grown for its seeds. The Chinese senna is a vigorous and useful herb of warm fields, and its hard, glossy seeds have a long history in traditional ways of the East. It is a species of flowering herb, native to warm regions of Asia, while it is grown for its seeds and its value in traditional ways of region, and it is known as the Chinese senna. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the pea family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. The species has also been studied in botany, since it is a member of the pea family. With present-day seed handling, raising this species well within the reach of any careful grower.
Uses & Benefits
Chinese Senna works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, sickle senna is a tough plant of warm wayside. Its yellow flowers feed bees and other insects, its leaves and pods feed grazing animals, and its roots hold soil, while it is a common and vigorous member of tropical landscape. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Sennas and cassias are the source of sennosides, the world’s most widely used herbal laxatives, standardized in products everywhere. Use them short-term only, as tradition and modern guidance both advise.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Chinese Senna, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Chinese Senna, Sickle Senna, Jue Ming Zi is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Chinese Senna frequently explore these as well: