Ringworm Bush (Senna alata)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Senna alata or most commonly known as Ringworm Bush is a native to Mexico that grows up to 4 m in height with horizontal branches. It is also known for various common names such as emperor?s candlesticks, candle bush, candelabra bush, Christmas candles, and empress candle plant. The large and oblong leaves tend to fold in the dark. The inflorescence are candle-like and yellow, occurring in spike-like clusters.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves - cooked. Toasted leaves are sometimes used as a coffee substitute. Young pods - cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Only used in small amounts. — Young leaves - cooked.; Toasted leaves are sometimes used as a coffee substitute.; Young pods - cooked and eaten as a vegetable.; Only used in small amounts.

Habitat & North American Range

Found in many habitats, preferring disturbed, rather open vegetation such as roadsides, river banks, rain forest edges, lake shores, pond and ditch margins, open forest, orchards and around villages, at elevations up to 1,400 metres, occ 2,100 metre. (Zone 10)