Coffee senna

Coffee Senna (Senna occidentalis), also known as stinking weed, Java bean, or negro coffee, is a plant species in the family Fabaceae. It is native to the tropical Americas, but it is now widespread in the tropics and subtropics worldwide.

Description

Coffee Senna is an annual or perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are pinnate with two leaflets on each side. The flowers are yellow and the fruit is a legume pod 10-15 cm long.

Uses

Coffee Senna is used in traditional medicine in many cultures. It is used as a laxative and to treat skin diseases. However, it is also a toxic plant and can cause poisoning in humans and livestock if consumed in large quantities.

Cultivation

Coffee Senna is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and pastures.

Toxicity

The seeds and leaves of the Coffee Senna plant contain a toxic compound called anthraquinone, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

See also

• Senna (genus)
• Fabaceae
• List of poisonous plants