Candle Bush (Senna alata), packet of 10 seeds

$3.95

Family:  Legume (Fabaceae)

Hardy to Zones 9 to 11, otherwise grown as an annual

(Candlebush, Ringworm Shrub, Emperor’s Candlesticks, Cassia alata) Evergreen bush to 12 feet tall, native to Mexico.  The inflorescence is upright, columnar, and bright yellow, resembling a burning candle.  This is a proud plant, with uplifted branches of compound leaves and a thick, knobbly stem.  The leaves close up in the dark, and the flower glows in the light.  Traditional uses (TWM):  Fungicidal, laxative.  Source of chryosophanic acid, an anthraquinone molecule that has potential in the treatment of colon cancer.  Plant prefers standard garden soils and sun.  The plant may act like an herbaceous perennial in colder zones, dying down to the crown after frost and coming back in the spring.  Easily grown from seed.  Nick through the seedcoat with a sharp blade, soak overnight in water, and the next day plant the significantly swollen seeds in warm, fast-draining mix.  Germination can be as rapid as 2 days or in cooler conditions may take several weeks.  Space plants 6 feet apart.

10 seeds/pkt, Open-pollinated, Untreated, No GMO’s

In stock

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  1. Question

    Amelia (verified owner)

    Is this the same plant used to make the laxative Senekot?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hi there, no, it is not the official species for that. r

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    • Elly

      Hello, do you send these seeds to Europe also?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Elly, really wish we could as we used to. New laws in the EU have shut down our trade. Richo

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  2. Question

    lisa

    How would candle bush be processed for colon cancer treatment?

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    • Richo Cech

      Admin Richo Cech

      Hi Lisa, I don’t know but here’s a scientific article on the subject https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.3323
      Richo

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    • Francis-Olive Hampton

      hi there. what is the lovely plant next to the candle bush, with the scalloped leaves?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      I believe that is Mashua, which is currently listed. r

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    • asad

      Hi, i want to know where or if you provide “fast-draining mix”?

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    • Richo Cech

      Richo Cech

      Hello Asad,
      We’re not sellers of soil amendments but you can purchase the following at any good coop, feed-and-seed, online or a local nursery supply place, and mix them together 50-50: Cactus mix. Organic potting soil. I personally like Black Gold products, but purchase what you can, and avoid chemicals.
      Richo

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