Arsenic Bush
Smooth Senna
Senna septemtrionalis
Observed at a roadside southeast of Kitale, Kenya. DEcember 2012.
FLOWERS: The spikes of rather large, bright yellow flowers with five
petals.
SHRUB: This shrub can reach small tree proportions under ideal
conditions. Several main stems from ground level.
LEAVES: Leaves are compound, smooth, and dark green. Leaves are tapered
to a narrow point. Unpleasant odor when crushed.
RANGE: This is another nonnative plant that has its origins in tropical
America. There are related plants native to Africa, so we can expect some
native insects will be able to use it.
FRUIT: An erect, partially flattened bean pod turns blackish at
maturity.
UNARMED. No thorns.