Matara Tea Tanner's cassia
Senna auriculata
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Pl. 4A15 — Senna auriculata
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IOverview
Overview
Matara Tea Tanner's cassia, scientifically known as Senna auriculata, is a medium-sized shrub or small tree native to Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the West Himalaya. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It grows well in dry, moist, and wet conditions and is hardy in zones 10-12. Matara Tea Tanner's cassia is known for its edible parts, which include flowers, leaves, and seedpods, making it a valuable resource in some regions. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to diverse environments, allowing it to flourish across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Matara Tea Tanner's cassia?
Matara Tea Tanner's cassia, scientifically known as Senna auriculata, is a medium-sized shrub or small tree native to Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the West Himalaya. This plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
What is Matara Tea Tanner's cassia used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Matara Tea Tanner's cassia
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Senna auriculata has been traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support bowel regularity and alleviate constipation.
The plant contains anthraquinones such as emodin and chrysophanol which stimulate colonic peristalsis. However, the exact mechanism is not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Matara Tea Tanner's cassia support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Matara Tea Tanner's cassia thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained to moist soil types—light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This plant can grow up to 5 meters tall and is suitable for gardens where it will receive ample sunlight. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. The flowers, leaves, and seedpods are edible parts that can be harvested for use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Matara Tea Tanner's cassia for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Matara Tea Tanner's cassia to experience growing this versatile plant.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is warm and moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare loose, well-draining soil by mixing in compost or organic matter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep or transplant young plants into the garden after all danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Monitor for pests and diseases, treating if necessary.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Fertilize once a year with compost or well-rotted manure in early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight, and using chemical fertilizers.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeedpod
Edible uses: The flowers, leaves, and seedpods of Matara Tea Tanner's cassia are edible. Typically, the leaves and flowers are used fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. The seedpods can be eaten raw or dried for later use. Skip processing details on preparation methods beyond these basic uses.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
6 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
6 native · 8 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 6 native· 8 introduced
Asia6 regions
native (5)BangladeshIndiaMaldivesMyanmarSri Lanka
introduced (1)Pakistan
Africa5 regions
introduced (5)GhanaNigeriaSierra LeoneSudanTanzania
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya
introduced:Jawa, 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, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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