SENNA FAMILY 101 



Wild Senna (Genus Cassia) 



Long and narrow seedpods are characteristic of our 

 wild sennas, of which Florida has several species of stout 

 growth. The strong-scented leaves, formed of several 

 rather large leaflets, bear a small gland, either between 

 the lowest pair of leaflets or near the base of the leaf- 

 stalk. Although blooming chiefly in summer, the bright 

 yellow flowers, which are nearly regular in form, are 

 seen in winter in the warmer parts of the state. The 

 species that grow as weeds of waste grounds vary greatly 

 in height, and sometimes bloom when only a few inches 

 tall. 



Cassia occidentalis. Flowers yellow, % in. across, in short 

 racemes from leaf-axils. Stamens 10, unequal. Stems 1-4 

 ft. tall, branched. Leaves of 8-12 leaflets 1-2 in. long, gland 

 at base of leaf-stalk. Seedpod 3-5 in. long, with cross-parti- 

 tions. Waste places. Blooming from late winter to fall. 

 Fla. to Ya., Texas, and Ind. 



Cassia Tora. Flowers similar to above species. Leaves of 

 4-6 leaflets, gland between lowest pair. Seedpods 6-8 in. 

 long. Waste places. Fla. to Va., Texas, and Ind. 



Cassia ligustrina. Flowers about 1 in. across, in panicles. 

 Stems 3-8 ft. tall, grooved. Leaflets 10-16. Seedpods 3-5 in. 

 long. Swamps and thickets. Blooming from spring to fall. 

 Fla. 



Nicker Bean (Genus Guilandina (Caesalpinia) ) 



This great straggling vinelike _^shrub, fearfully armed 

 with hooked prickles, is found near the southern shores 

 of the Florida peninsula. Even when not in bloom it is 

 noticeable because of its great twice-pinnate leaves and 

 large seedpods, which are thickly covered with straight 

 prickles. The smooth grayish seeds are sometimes strung 

 in necklaces. 



