Desert cassia (Senna artemisioides subsp. x coriacea) in the Western Australian rangelands

Page last updated: Tuesday, 6 July 2021 - 9:41am

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Desert cassia (Senna artemisioides subsp. x coriacea) is one of many plant species found in the Western Australian rangelands. This page provides a summary of the plant's value for pastoralism. Pastoral lessees and station managers can use this information to assess pasture condition and trend.

Indicator value

Desert cassia is generally considered undesirable and is a useful indicator plant. When it is present in large numbers, it indicates poor pasture condition.

Forage value

Desert cassia does not appear to be palatable, although the seed pods are eaten. 

Habitat

Alkaline soils.

General description

Desert cassia is a green or blue-green shrub, 1–3m tall. Leaves are 2–5cm long, very variable, with 2–8 pairs of leaflets. Flowers are yellow and buttercup-like and are borne in the leaf axils. Flowers consist of 5 petals, 5–6mm long, occurring in winter/spring. Pods are 35–45mm long, 10–12mm broad, hairless, flat, oblong, straight or slightly curved.

This variety is very variable and is often confused with other Senna plants.