Cassia abbreviata
Long Pod Cassia, Sjambok PodFamily: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Origin: South Africa
Cassia abbreviata grows to a height of 5 to 10 feet, and blooms yellow-orange flowers in summer and fall. Requires full sun to semi-shade and moderate water. It has many ethnomedical uses, and the locals refer to it as a healing tree. It is used in traditional medicines as well as home remedies. The bark and leaves are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties and for its potential benefits in treating skin ailments.
The bright yellow and orange flowers of Cassia abbreviata attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden and are extremely fragrant. This evergreen shrub is ideally suited for growth in USDA zones 9-11, where it can thrive when provided with the necessary care and attention.
When planting Cassia abbreviata, it's important to make sure the plant has adequate sun exposure and to keep it in an area with well-drained soil. It's important to water the plant consistently and check the soil often to make sure it's neither too wet nor too dry. The shrubs should also be pruned regularly - every year or two - to ensure it remains densely foliated and not overly large.
In colder regions, Cassia abbreviata can be grown in pots. When growing in pots, it's important to ensure that the container has plenty of drainage holes and to provide the plant with adequate protection against cold temperatures by placing it in a sunny, sheltered area. It's also important to be aware of any potential pests/diseases that may infect the plant and take immediate steps to prevent their spread.
Similar plants:
- Cassia afrofistula (Kenyan Shower)
- Cassia antillana, Senna nitida, Chamaefistula antillana, Cassia aurea (Golden Rain tree)
- Cassia bahamensis, Senna mexicana chapmanii (Bahama Senna, Bahama Cassia)
- Cassia bakeriana (Dwarf Apple Blossom Tree, Pink Cassia, Pink Shower Cassia, Wishing-tree)
- Cassia bakeriana x fistula (Apple Blossom Tree)
- Cassia brewsteri (Buy Cigar Cassia)
- Cassia didymobotrya (Popcorn Cassia, Peanut Butter Senna)
- Cassia fistula (Golden Shower Tree, Indian Laburnum, Ratchaphruek)
- Cassia fistula x javanica, Cassia fistula x grandis, Cassia javanica x grandis (Rainbow Shower)
- Cassia javanica (Apple Blossom Tree, Apple Blossom Shower)
