Siamese Senna, Kassod Tree

Senna siamea

Physical Characteristics

Senna siamea is an evergreen Tree growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southeast Asia - Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: The young fruits and leaves are eaten as a vegetable. During preparation the cooking liquid is replaced 3 times to remove toxins[303 ]. The flowers and young fruits are used in curries[303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Laxative Parasiticide In traditional medicine, the fruit is used to charm away intestinal worms and to prevent convulsions in children[303 ]. The heartwood is said to be a laxative, and a decoction is used against scabies[303 ].

Known Hazards

The sawdust may cause some irritation to the nose, throat and eyes[303 ]. The wood sometimes produces a yellow powder that may cause irritation to the skin[310 ].(Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested)