Senna siamea (Cassia siamea) – Kasood Plant

Bright Yellow Flower Clusters on a Graceful Spreading Tree

Senna siamea (Cassia siamea), commonly known as the Kasood, Kassod Tree or Siamese Senna, is an attractive flowering tree belonging to the Fabaceae family. The species is native to Sri Lanka and mainland Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in tropical regions, including India. It is valued for its dense foliage, spreading crown and abundant clusters of bright yellow flowers.

Senna siamea develops a moderately sized tree with a naturally branching and spreading habit and can reach approximately 2–20 metres in height under suitable conditions. Its pinnately compound leaves carry numerous pairs of dark green, oblong leaflets, creating a dense and attractive canopy. The tree produces large terminal clusters of bright to pale yellow flowers, followed by long, narrow, flattened brown pods. The combination of lush foliage and abundant yellow flowering makes it an attractive ornamental tree for warm-climate landscapes.

Environment

Sunlight: Grows well in full sun and benefits from good exposure to sunlight for healthy growth and flowering. Provide adequate open space around the plant as it develops a spreading crown.

Watering: Water regularly while the plant is establishing and during periods of hot or dry weather. Once established, it is reasonably adaptable, but good drainage should always be maintained.

Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil that provides adequate moisture without remaining waterlogged. Incorporating organic matter can help support healthy root and foliage development.

Fertilizer: Feed periodically during active growth with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy foliage and flowering. An annual application of well-decomposed organic matter can also support vigorous growth.

Landscape Uses

• Excellent as a flowering specimen tree for gardens and larger landscapes.
• Suitable for avenues, roadside planting and spacious garden areas.
• Creates a dense green canopy and attractive seasonal colour with its yellow flowers.
• Can be used as an ornamental shade tree where sufficient growing space is available.
• Well suited to tropical and subtropical landscapes and warm-climate gardens.