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| Sakyong Chisopani JHS (12.09.22) |
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Senna
Species: S.
Alata
Binomial name : Kalanchoe blossfeldiana
Poelln.
Other Names: Cassia
alata, Emperor's candlesticks, candle bush, candelabra bush, Christmas candles,
empress candle plant, ringworm shrub
Special feature: S. alata is native to most of
the Neotropics (from Mexico and the West Indies to Paraguay), and can be found
in diverse habitats. In the tropics, it grows up to an altitude of 1,200 metres
(3,900 ft). It is an invasive species in Austronesia.
The shrub stands 3–4 metres (9.8–13.1 ft)
tall, with leaves 50–80 centimetres (20–31 in) long. The leaves close in
the dark. The inflorescence looks like a yellow candle. The fruit, shaped like
a straight pod, is up to 25 cm long. Its seeds are distributed by water or
animals. The seed pods are nearly straight, dark brown or nearly black, about
15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide. On
both sides of the pods is a wing that runs the length of the pod. Pods contain
50 to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.
Senna alata (also known as Cassia alata) is often
called the ringworm bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties,
for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The leaves are
ground in a mortar to obtain a kind of "green cotton wool". This is
mixed with the same amount of vegetable oil and rubbed on the affected area two
or three times a day. A fresh preparation is made every day. Its active
ingredients include yellow chrysophanic acid.
Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone
content, is also well-proven. Senna alata is locally known as akapulko in the
Philippines where it is used as both an ornamental and medicinal plant due to
its laxative, purgative and anti-fungal properties. In Sri Lanka, known as
Ath-thora, it is used as an ingredient in Sinhala traditional medicine. (Source: Wikipedia)
