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Overview
Senna alata is a tropical shrub valued for its ornamental flowers and medicinal properties.
Senna alata features large, bright green compound leaves and tall branching flower stems with showy spikes of bright yellow flowers that are reminiscent of candles, hence its common name "Candle Bush."
The plant's vibrant blooms and lush foliage add a tropical touch to gardens, making it an attractive choice for landscaping in the tropics
Soil: Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils.
Maintenance: Requires minimal maintenance once established.
Pruning may be necessary to control growth and shape the plant.
Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming.
Regular watering and occasional fertilization can encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases, can be occasionally be infected by aphids, spider mites.
In humid conditions, fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, can be a problem.
Invasiveness: Senna alata has the potential to self-seed and spread in favorable conditions, but it is not considered highly invasive in most regions.
Toxicity: All parts of Senna alata contain compounds that may be toxic if ingested in large quantities. Caution should be exercised
Other Species: The genus Senna includes several other species, some of which are also cultivated for their ornamental flowers and medicinal properties, including Senna occidentalis and Senna didymobotrya.
Author: Bob Saunders.