Cassia roxburghii

Cassia roxburghii is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is commonly known as the Red Cassia due to its vibrant red flowers, and is often used in ornamental landscaping due to its striking appearance.

Description

The Cassia roxburghii is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. It has a spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk. The bark is smooth and grey, with small white spots. The leaves are pinnate, with 8-12 pairs of leaflets, each leaflet being 5-15 cm long and 2-6 cm broad. The flowers are borne in racemes at the ends of branches, each flower being 5-6 cm in diameter with five red petals. The fruit is a flat, brown pod, 15-30 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm broad, containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Cassia roxburghii is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal, as well as Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, in both lowland and montane forests, and is often found along riverbanks and in disturbed areas.

Uses

The wood of the Cassia roxburghii is used for making furniture, tools, and in construction. The bark is used in traditional medicine for treating skin diseases and digestive disorders. The flowers are used in religious ceremonies and are also used to make a dye. The seeds are used as a coffee substitute and the leaves are used as fodder for livestock.

Conservation status

While the Cassia roxburghii is not currently listed as threatened, it is subject to habitat loss due to deforestation and conversion of land for agriculture. Efforts are being made to conserve this species through seed banking and habitat protection.

See also

• List of Cassia species
• Fabaceae
• Flora of the Indian subcontinent
• Flora of Southeast Asia

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