Cassia alata — botanically Senna alata, and commonly candle bush — is a tropical shrub with upright yellow flower spikes and large paired leaflets. The leaflets are the part that is dried and used.
How to tell it apart
| Cassia alata | A legume. Large oval leaflets in opposite pairs along a stem. The leaf is the part used. |
|---|---|
| Cassia cinnamon | A laurel. The bark is the part used. Unrelated to this plant in every way except the word. |
The shared name causes real confusion in shops and online listings. If a listing says “cassia” and shows bark, it is cinnamon. If it shows paired leaflets, it is this.
Specimen
| Botanical name | Senna alata |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Part used | Dried leaflets |
| Also called | Candle bush, dartrier |
| Origin | Grown and dried in Saint Lucia |
| Form | Whole and dried, not ground |
Using it
- Traditionally brewed as a bush tea across the Caribbean.
- Traditionally applied topically as a leaf preparation.
- We describe these as traditional uses because that is what they are. We make no medical claim for this leaf, and you should be sceptical of any seller who does.
Keeping it
Airtight, dark and dry. Keep whole leaflets rather than crushed.
Read more
Need a larger volume? Cases and bulk quantities are quoted the same way as a single pack — say how much you need in the form below and we will price it, and mention it in the notes if you want a recurring supply.
