Fabaceae-Caesalpinaceae
Senna siamea
Siamese Senna · Mwengajini
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Siamese Senna is a medium-sized evergreen tree, typically growing 10-18 metres tall with a dense, spreading crown and smooth, grey-brown bark. Its leaves are pinnately compound with 6-14 pairs of oblong, dark green leaflets. The tree produces abundant bright yellow flowers in large terminal panicles and develops flat, dark brown pods 5-25 cm long.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and deep, well-drained, fertile soils in lowland tropical areas, making it suitable for Kilifi. It can serve as an excellent shade tree, windbreak, or for erosion control, requiring general spacing of 6-9 metres apart.
Growing notes
A fast-growing tree, Siamese Senna establishes quickly and flowers abundantly throughout the year once mature. It requires consistent moisture, tolerating moderate drought once established, but needs access to groundwater during extended dry periods. The tree is sensitive to cold and frost, and its sawdust may cause irritation; foliage is toxic to non-ruminants.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: winrock.org, feedipedia.org, wikipedia.org, pfaf.org, worldagroforestry.org, mozambiqueflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.