Home Page > Picture Archives > > Fabaceae > Senna italica
Cassia italica, Cassia ligustrina, Cassia obtusa, Cassia porturegalis, Senna obtusa
Cassia aschrak, Cassia obovata, helul, ishrig, Mecca senna, senna, senna mekki
Senna italica, Senegal senna, Italian senna, or Port Royal senna is a legume tree in the genus Senna. It is recognized by many other common names based on the regions it grows in. In India, it is used to produce a dye known as “neutral henna”. Senegal senna is easily distinguishable through its many distinctive features. There are 3 subspecies of this plant based on the size of the inflorescence and the length of the petiole. The subspecies are italica, micrantha, and arachoides. In many regions, this plant is cultivated commercially and medicinally.
Senna italica, also known as Italian senna or Neem tree, is a shrub native to Africa and the Middle East. In Qatar, it has been found growing wild in coastal and inland areas. Studies have shown that Senna italica is a common plant species in Qatar's flora, often thriving in sandy soils and saline environments. Its presence in Qatar highlights the country's unique biodiversity and adaptability of plant species to arid conditions.
Senna italica (Cassia) plant in desert of Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 2, 2012
Salwa Rd, Qatar
Ants feeding on Senna italica (Cassia) plant in desert of Harrarah, 40 miles south-west from Doha. Qatar, March 2, 2012Salwa Rd, Qatar
Flowers of Senna italica (Cassia aschrak, Cassia obovata, Cassia italica, local names ishrig, senna, senna mekki) on roadside of a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014Garafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar
Senna italica (Cassia aschrak, Cassia obovata, Cassia italica, local names ishrig, senna, senna mekki) on roadside of a road from Dukhan to Al Jumayliyah. Western Qatar, March 1, 2014Garafat Al Rayyan and Dukhan Highway, Qatar
Flowers of Senna italica (Cassia) on roadside near Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 7, 2014Unnamed Road, Mazra`at Turayna, Qatar
Green seed pod of Senna italica (Cassia) on roadside near Trainah. Southern Qatar, November 7, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Senna italica (Cassia) at entrance of Ras Abrouq Peninsula near Zekreet. Qatar, November 14, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Seedling of Senna italica (Cassia) near Al Khor Hospital. Qatar, December 13, 2014Unnamed Road, Qatar
Split pod of Senna italica (Cassia) with seeds taken from Green Circles (center-pivot irrigation) in Irkhaya (Irkaya) Farms. Qatar, June 5, 2015Senna italica plants were observed in various locations throughout Qatar, including the desert of Harrarah, roadsides near Dukhan and Al Jumayliyah, and near Trainah in southern Qatar. The plants were found to be hosting ants that feed on them. Flowers of Senna italica were seen in March 2014 on roadside near Dukhan and in November 2014 near Trainah. Green seed pods were observed in November 2014, while dry seed pods were collected in June 2015 from Irkhaya Farms. A seedling was also spotted near Al Khor Hospital in December 2014. The plants were found in different environments, including deserts and areas with center-pivot irrigation. The observations took place over several years, from 2012 to 2015, and provide insight into the growth and development of Senna italica in Qatar's diverse landscapes.
www.catalogueoflife.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.