Siamese Senna

Also known as Siamese cassia, kassod tree, cassod tree, and Cassia tree. Senna siamea or most commonly known as Siamese Senna is native to South and Southeast Asia that grows up to 18 m in height with an erect and slender stem. It is commonly used as shade tree in plantations, as windbreak, or as hedgerows. The leaves are dark green, alternate, and pinnately compound. The yellow flowers occur at the end of branches. The fruits are black pods with thickened edges. The plant contains Barakol, a compound with sedative and anxiolytic effects, which contributes to its medicinal values. It is used against intestinal worms and scabies. Plant parts such as leaves, pods, and seeds are all edible but has to be thoroughly boiled first prior to eating. Flowers and young fruits are used in curries. The leaves are used as green manure. All plant parts can be used for tanning. The wood is used for joinery, cabinet making, inlaying, handles, sticks, and other decorative uses. In addition, it can be made into charcoal of excellent quality.

Senna siamea is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 9. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

This taxon has not yet been assessed

The sawdust may cause some irritation to the nose, throat and eyes[303 ]. The wood sometimes produces a yellow powder that may cause irritation to the skin[310 ].(Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)