Common Name:

General Information

Senna timoriensis is a shrub or tree with a crown that is usually dense and rounded in young trees, becoming irregular and spreading, with drooping branches as it grows older[]. It usually grows from 8 - 20 metres tall, but exceptionally up to 30 metres, with a usually short bole up to 50cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local use as food, medicine and timber[]. It is occasionally used in reforestation projects and is also planted as a roadside tree[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Australia.

Habitat

Lowland, often on limestone[]. Limestone hills, in open forest, at elevations up to 1,100 metres[]. It is a common inhabitant of deciduous dipterocarp forest in areas with a monsoon climate[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of lowland tropical areas, where it is found at elevations up to 1,100 metres[]. It is usually found in areas with a monsoon climate[].
Prefers calcareous soils in the wild[].
The plant usually flowers all year round[, ].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves[].
The flowers, young fruits and young leaves are sometimes eaten after soaking 2 - 3 times in hot water to remove toxins, but they still taste bitter[].

Medicinal

The seedpods have anthelmintic properties[, ].

The bark is used as a treatment against scabies[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species in its native habitat, it is also suitable for mixed reforestation for soil protection purposes[, , ].

Other Uses

The wood is highly resistant to insect attacks and is frequently used for various construction purposes[]. It has been reported to be favoured for axe handles, and is used for boxes and joinery[].

Propagation

Seed - requires pre-treatment to soften the hard seedcoat and allow the ingress of water[]. This can be done by soaking the seed in a small amount of nearly boiling water (which cools down quickly and does not cook the seed) and then soaking the seed for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. Alternatively, a small area of the seed coat can be abraded, being careful not to damage the embryo[].
Germination of untreated seeds is about 25% in 6 - 103 days[].

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