Cassia spectabilis – American cassia, popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa

Botanical nomencltuara: Cassia spectabilis
Common name: American cassia, popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae
Genus: Senna
Species: S. spectabilis

1.92

SKU: P-2147 Category: Tags: , , ,

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Description

Senna spectabilis is a plant species of the legume family (Fabaceae) in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae native to South and Central America. They are often grown as an ornamental in front yards, parks, gardens, buildings etc. due to their bright yellow flowers that bloom during the summer months. They are also known as golden wonder tree, American cassia, popcorn tree, Cassia excelsa, golden shower tree or Archibald’s cassia.

The plant has become an invasive alien species in parts of Africa such as Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda, and also in South-India, after it was introduce for resources such as firewood as well as to help combat deteriorating ecosystems affected by deforestation and desertification. Currently, S. spectabilis is overtaking native tree species of forestry ecosystems around the world because of its ability to grow quickly.

Germination Guide

🌍 Southern Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and western South America
Easy

Muntingia calabura, commonly known as Jamaica cherry, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Central and South America, producing small edible sweet berries. Seeds require high temperature and light conditions for germination, reflecting its ecological role as a pioneer species that colonizes forest gaps. Germination is relatively easy and rapid when provided with proper warmth, bright light, and clean seeds free of gelatinous pulp.

Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in

7 – 42 days

Temperature

Min 15°C
Ideal 35°C
Max 35°C

Light
☀️ Light required

Substrate moisture
💧 Medium

Sowing depth
Lightly covered

Germination rate
70 %


Seed Pre-treatment
  • 📋

    Additional notes
    Remove gelatinous fruit pulp by washing repeatedly in water. Hot water treatment (boiling 30 seconds followed by cold water soak 12 hours) may enhance germination.

Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
peat and perlite, sand and clay, well-draining potting mix

Recommended container
container with good drainage, seed trays, polyethylene bags


Growing Tips
Clean seeds thoroughly by washing to remove all gelatinous fruit pulp before sowing. Sow on surface and barely cover with soil; seeds are extremely tiny. Provide consistent warmth (25-35°C), bright light (6+ hours daily), and maintain moist but not waterlogged substrate. Germination is accelerated at 35°C under direct illumination. Do not place under shade; seedlings require full light. After emergence, seedlings grow slowly for 1-2 months, then accelerate dramatically. Transplant only when 2-3 cm tall. Acclimate for 4+ weeks before final planting. Plant transplants during warm periods with night temperatures consistently above 20°C.

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