Family: Fabaceae
Common name: Surat Senna, Glossy shower, Golden Senna, Glacous senna, Singapore shower, Sunshine tree, Scrambled egg bush, Bushy Cassia, Scrambled egg tree, Sulphur-flowered Senna
Surat Senna is a large shrub or small tree bearing bunches of bright yellow flowers, named after Surat, a town in Mumbai. They are native to South East Asia but they can grow well in tropical environment in many countries.
Plant characteristics
Surat Senna or Glossy shower plants can grow to a height of 7-9 meters with a woody, well-branched stem that has a smooth texture. They are not very strong as a tree, and might topple under strong winds or storms.
Leaves are compound, composed of 12-24 or more small leaflets that are dark green, oval in shape, and arranged very close to each other. The plant produces an abundance of leaves that makes it pretty even when they are not in bloom.
The leaves have a smooth, leathery texture and each leaflet is 3-4 cm long.
Flowers of the Surat Senna are what make the plant very attractive in gardens. During Nov-Feb, the plant produces bright yellow flowers in large bunches, almost covering the plant, though the plant is capable of flowering throughout the year.
Each flower is 3-5 cm in diameter with 5 distinct petals, some smaller than the others. The flowers are very similar to those of other Cassia plants like Cassia fistula or Golden shower tree and Senna auriculata or Avaram.
The abundance of bright yellow flowers and their long blooming period attract many pollinators like bees and butterflies into the garden. After pollination, the plant produces long cylindrical fruits that are 10-15 cm long.
The fruits of Surat Senna are initially green and flexible, but later turn brown and brittle before they open up to release the seeds. Each fruit contains 5-10 seeds that are dark brown or black in color.
The seeds are quite heavy and cannot be dispersed by wind or water. The plant produces smaller plants just below it, which can then be carefully pulled out and replanted.
Gardening tips
Surat Senna plants need good, direct sunlight and well-drained soil. They can tolerate bad soil conditions and weather fluctuations once they are established in the soil. But water regularly when the plant is small.
These plants grow in warm tropical weather, and cannot tolerate snow or frost. They are not good indoor plants even if they are grown near sunny windows.
Pruning and fertilization should be done regularly to keep the plant trimmed and healthy.
Surat Senna plants can become top-heavy because of their thick leaves and abundant flowers. They can be prevented from falling over by providing strong stakes or supporting structures.
These plants are tolerant of pests to some extent, but their tender leaves and flower buds can be affected by aphids and mites. Regularly inspect the plant and take precautionary measures if you see any infestations.
Uses of Surat Senna
Tender leaves of the plant are cooked and eaten in some Southeast Asian countries. But they are mostly grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
Parts of the plant have been used as a laxative and to treat dysentery in traditional herbal medicine.
Since they are tolerant of drought, they can be used in water-efficient landscaping. The bright yellow flowers can attract pollinators to agricultural land.
They are also grown as border or hedge plants since the thick leaves prevent entry of grazing animals or intruders into gardens.
Surat Senna plants grow abundantly in the wild, and hence they are considered invasive in some countries.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings, both very effective since the plant produces seeds in plenty. Sow mature seeds in moist soil after soaking them overnight to speed up germination.
Photographed at: Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah
