Origin
Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Irwin & Barneby var. glabrata (Vogel) Irwin & Barneby is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is native to South America, particularly in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Arco de San Juan", "Bower of St. John," or "Casco de Viejo" in parts of South America. In Brazil, it is called "cassia-imperial" or "empire tree" due to its historic use as a medicinal plant.
Uses
The Senna pendula plant has been used in traditional medicine for treating conditions like coughs, colds, and inflammation. Its leaves and bark are known to contain anthraquinones, which have laxative properties, making it a popular natural remedy for constipation. Additionally, this plant's antioxidant properties have been studied for its potential benefits in treating diabetes and cancer.
General Appearance
Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Irwin & Barneby var. glabrata (Vogel) Irwin & Barneby is a tree that can grow up to 10 to 12 meters in height. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and typically have 4-6 pairs of elliptic leaflets. Its flowers are bright yellow in color and occur in clusters at the end of the branches, typically in Summer. The fruit of this plant is a flat, green-brown pod that can grow up to 20cm long.
Light Requirements
Senna pendula var. glabrata requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. It grows best in areas that receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. The plant cannot tolerate shade or partial shade, and reduced light can hinder its growth and flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant grows well in warm and humid climates with an average temperature range of 18-28°C. Senna pendula var. glabrata cannot survive in areas with extreme cold temperature, and frost can lead to the death of the plant. It requires warm and temperate climatic conditions for optimal growth and development.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow in various types of soil, including loamy, sandy, or clayey soil. However, it grows best in well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.5. The soil must be rich in organic matter and provide adequate nutrients to stimulate optimal growth and development. The addition of compost or manure to the soil can help increase its fertility and boost plant growth.
Cultivation methods
Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Irwin & Barneby var. glabrata (Vogel) Irwin & Barneby is a species of flowering plant that is commonly known as the Brazilian Senna. To grow this plant, you must first ensure that you have the appropriate soil and climate conditions. It thrives under full sunlight and can tolerate various soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soil that is adequately drained.
The ideal temperature range to cultivate Senna pendula var. glabrata is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant is drought tolerant, so planting in a dry location, or where the plant won't receive too much water, might be ideal. As it can grow tall, it would be best if you planted it in spacious locations.
Watering needs
The Brazilian Senna requires regular watering, especially during its first year of growth. Once well-established, the plant can tolerate low water supply and is drought resistant. Adequate moisture could keep it blooming, and watering once a week is sufficient, especially during the dry period. Still, it's best to check the soil's moisture and water only when necessary.
Fertilization
The Brazilian Senna is a nitrogen-fixing legume, and it doesn't require much fertilizer. Still, to keep the plant healthy, you could apply a dose of balanced fertilizer during the growing season. An all-purpose fertilizer can help produce more foliage and flowers, and also ensure overall plant health..
Pruning
Pruning can encourage vibrant growth and allow the plant to maintain its desired shape. You can start pruning after the plant's flowering period, which could be almost any time of the year. This is a very tall plant can reach up to 25 feet in height; thus, to prevent it from spreading too much, you could prune back the tips of the branches. It is also good practice to remove any broken or damaged stems.
Propagation of Senna pendula var. glabrata
Senna pendula var. glabrata can be propagated through both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation via Seeds
Seeds of Senna pendula var. glabrata can be sown directly into the soil or into pots or trays with a well-draining potting mix. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1 cm and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2-3 weeks.
The seedlings should be thinned out once they are large enough to handle, leaving only the strongest ones. They should be watered regularly and protected from extreme heat or cold.
Propagation via Cuttings
Softwood cuttings taken in the spring or early summer can be used to propagate Senna pendula var. glabrata. The cuttings should be about 10-15 cm long and taken from healthy, disease-free plants.
The cuttings should be stripped of all their leaves except for the top few and inserted into a well-draining potting mix. They should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid place. Rooting usually occurs within 4-6 weeks.
Once the cuttings have rooted and started to grow, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden, depending on the intended use.
Diseases of Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Irwin & Barneby var. glabrata (Vogel) Irwin & Barneby
Senna pendula var. glabrata is relatively resistant to diseases. However, in some cases, it may get affected by various fungal and bacterial diseases that can lead to severe damage. Here are some of the common diseases affecting this plant:
- Leaf spot: It is caused by the fungus Cercospora sennae. The symptoms include circular, brownish-black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, remove and dispose of the affected leaves, and apply a fungicide to protect the plant.
- Anthracnose: It is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The symptoms include small, black, sunken lesions on the leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts, and apply a fungicide to protect the plant.
Pests of Senna pendula (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Irwin & Barneby var. glabrata (Vogel) Irwin & Barneby
Senna pendula var. glabrata is also relatively resistant to pests. However, in some cases, it may get affected by various insect pests that can lead to severe damage. Here are some of the common insect pests affecting this plant:
- Caterpillars: They are the larvae of various moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves. To manage them, remove and dispose of the affected leaves, and apply an insecticide to protect the plant.
- Scale insects: They are small, immobile insects that suck sap from the stems and leaves, causing stunted growth and deformation. To manage them, remove and dispose of the affected plant parts, and apply an insecticide to protect the plant.
- Mites: They are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the leaves, causing yellowing and bronzing. To manage them, apply a miticide to protect the plant.
