Cassia obtusifolia

Cassia obtusifolia is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known as sicklepod due to its distinctive seed pods that resemble a sickle. This plant is native to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Description

Cassia obtusifolia is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate with two to three pairs of leaflets. The flowers are yellow and borne in axillary racemes. The fruit is a curved pod, giving the plant its common name, sicklepod.

Distribution and habitat

Cassia obtusifolia is native to the Americas, from the southern United States to Argentina. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is typically found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides, pastures, and cultivated fields.

Uses

Cassia obtusifolia has several uses. Its seeds are used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name Juemingzi. They are believed to have cooling and detoxifying properties, and are used to treat conditions such as hypertension and constipation. The plant is also used as a green manure in agriculture, as it is a nitrogen-fixing species.

Cultivation

Cassia obtusifolia is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is a sun-loving plant and requires a good amount of sunlight to thrive.

See also

• List of Cassia species
• Fabaceae
• Traditional Chinese medicine