Ringworm Bush
Senna alatafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 80DE — Senna alata
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IOverview
Overview
Ringworm Bush, scientifically known as Senna alata and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is native to Hainan and has been introduced to various regions including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and many others. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can range from light sandy to heavy clay, making it adaptable to diverse environments. Growing up to 4 meters tall, Ringworm Bush can form a tree-like or subshrub habit, and is known for its edible leaves and seedpods, which can be used as a food source. Its ability to grow in various soil types and climate conditions makes it a versatile ornamental and culinary plant. However, it should be noted that Ringworm Bush has the potential to become a weed in some areas.
Quick answers
What is Ringworm Bush?
Ringworm Bush, scientifically known as Senna alata and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is native to Hainan and has been introduced to various regions including Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, and many others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ringworm Bush thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a temperature range of 10-12 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. This plant grows to a height of 4 meters and can be cultivated as a tree, subshrub, or shrub. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. The edible parts include leaves and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree, Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Ringworm Bush for the first time
8steps
Start with Ringworm Bush to gain gardening confidence.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seeds, a pot if container planting, and basic gardening tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants carefully to avoid damaging roots. For seeds, sow them directly in the ground or start indoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering. Prune occasionally for shape and to remove dead or damaged branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to maintain the plant's size and shape, removing any dead or weak growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning, using unsuitable soil types, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedpod
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:Pest controlTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 101 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 101 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 29 native· 101 introduced
Asia12 regions
introduced (12)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarOmanPakistanPhilippinesSri LankaThailandVietnam
Americas38 regions
native (18)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorFrench GuianaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSurinameVenezuela
introduced (20)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUnited StatesVenezuela
Africa26 regions
introduced (26)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliNigeriaSenegalSeychellesSierra LeoneTanzaniaTogoUganda
Oceania3 regions
introduced (3)FijiSamoaTonga
Broader regions
native:Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Hainan, Leeward Is., Mexico Southwest, Panamá, Southwest Caribbean, Trinidad-Tobago, Windward Is.
introduced:Andaman Is., Argentina Northeast, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, California, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, Congo, East Himalaya, Florida, Galápagos, Gulf of Guinea Is., Hainan, Jawa, Leeward Is., Malaya, Marianas, Marshall Is., Mexico Southwest, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Niue, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, Society Is., Southwest Caribbean, Sumatera, Trinidad-Tobago, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Windward Is., Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
Native to
XII
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