General Description:

Senna is a widespread genus of about 350 species. About 46 occur in Australia of which about 33 are endemic. Senna and related genera such as Cassia, Labichea and Petalostylis may still be seen classified within the separate family Caesalpiniaceae but it is now more common for these plants to be classified as a sub-family within the widespread family Fabaceae.

Senna venusta (previously Cassia venusta) is an upright, open shrub; from 0.5 to 2 meters high (occasionally to about 3 metres). The. compound, pinnate leaves have several pairs of narrow, green leaflets. The yellow flowers are about 1.5 cm in diameter and occur in clusters held above the foliage. They are seen mainly in spring and summer. Flowering is.followed by seed pods 4-8 cm x 1 cm.

The plant is best suited to dry tropical regions and should be successful in well-drained soils, including sandy, rocky, or lateritic soils. It prefers full sun or partial shade.and will tolerate extended dry conditions once established. Tip pruning after flowering will assist in developing a bushy growth habit and improve flowering.

Propagation is usually carried out from seed which germinates readily after treatment with boiling water. Cuttings of hardened, current seasons growth should also be successful.