Senna alata Seeds | Candle Bush
LATIN NAME: Senna alata
COMMON NAME: Candle Bush, Emperor’s Candlesticks, Ringworm Shrub
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Candle Bush, Senna alata is a shrub in the pea family, native to Mexico and the american tropics, it is an important medicinal plant of the region. Candle bush is a bold and striking plant of warm regions, and its great upright spikes of golden flower look exactly like candles burning on a candelabra. Native to Mexico and the American tropics, it is an important medicinal plant of region, and it has been carried around warm world as an ornamental, where it sails through summer heat with a glowing, golden bloom. At maturity it stands about Four metres. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Senna alata sits in the pea family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Plant has also been studied in research on traditional medicine, since it has a long history of use in the tropics, and its traditional uses have been examined. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Candle Bush brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. Ecologically, candle bush is a generous plant of warm landscape. Its golden flowers feed bees, butterflies and other insects, and its bold leaves and pods give cover, while it is a striking member of gardens and waysides of warm world. For a grower, candle bush is an easy and striking plant, and for a gardener it brings great candles of golden bloom. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Senna is the world’s standard herbal laxative, its sennosides official in every pharmacopoeia for short-term constipation; it is effective, well-studied and meant for occasional use only.
Growing from Seed
Starting Candle Bush from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Reaching four metres, it needs room to show its full form. Candle Bush, Emperor’s Candlesticks, Ringworm Shrub earns its space through character rather than fuss. Even moisture while the seed is chitting is the main thing; afterwards it largely looks after itself.
Related Reading
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