More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Flowers of Zihuatanejo
Candelabra Bush
Senna alata
Flowers by Colour
-Vascular Plants (Phylum Tracheophyta)
-Flowering Plants (Subphylum Angiospermae)
-Legumes, Milkworts, and Allies (Order Fabales)
-Legumes (Family Fabaceae)
-Subfamily Faboideae
-Tribe Cassieae
-Subtribe Cassiinae
-Sennas (Genus Senna)
-Candelabra Bush (Senna alata)
Senna alata, commonly called Candelabra bush or candle bush, is so named because the erect flower spikes when in bud resemble yellow candles. It has a long traditional use of the plant for treating ringworm infections. The native range of this species is SW. Mexico to Tropical America.
Description
• Senna alata, commonly known as candle bush, emperor’s candlesticks, or ringworm bush, is a tropical shrub in the legume family (Fabaceae).
• It typically grows 2–4 m tall, with large, pinnate leaves composed of numerous pairs of oblong leaflets.
• Its upright flower clusters bear bright yellow flowers that resemble candles, giving the plant its common name.
• The flowers develop into long, dark brown to black, winged seed pods containing numerous seeds.
• The plant is also used in traditional medicine, particularly for skin conditions, although medicinal use should be approached cautiously.
Range
• Native to tropical regions of the Americas, Senna alata occurs in Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
• It has been introduced and cultivated widely throughout other tropical regions.
Habitat
• Commonly grows in sunny, disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures, forest edges, and open tropical scrub.
• Favours warm climates and moist, well-drained soils, but can tolerate seasonal dry periods once established.