Plant Profile Popcorn Cassia

Plant ID Popcorn Cassia (Senna didymobotrya)

Common Name: Popcorn Cassia, Peanut Butter Cassia
Scientific Name: Senna didymobotrya
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Plant Type: Perennial shrub or small tree

Physical Description

• Height: Typically grows 3 - 4m tall.
• Spread: 1–2m
• Leaves: Pinnate leaves with 6–12 pairs of leaflets, creating a feathery appearance. When crushed, the leaves emit a popcorn/peanut butter-like fragrance.
• Flowers: Bright yellow, showy flowers arranged in upright clusters (racemes). The flowers resemble popcorn, giving the plant its common name.
• Seeds: Flattened, dark brown seed pods measuring 5–7.5 cm long. None edible

Flower heads

Habitat and Distribution

• Native Range: Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa.
• Cultivation: Widely grown as an ornamental in warm climates, including parts of Australia.
• Climate Zones: Prefers frost-free areas.

Popcorn cassia seeds

Growing Conditions

• Light: Thrives in full sun.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained soil with moderate fertility. Tolerates various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• Water: Quite drought tolerant for longer periods. For best biomass production requires moderate watering; avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Frost-sensitive; grows best in warm, frost-free climates. It can handle light frost that Jimboomba, QLD gets.
• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune occasionally to shape the plant and remove dead growth.

Popcorn Cassia leaf

Uses and Features

• Ornamental: Valued for its vibrant yellow flowers and unique fragrance. Ideal for pollinator gardens, borders, or as a striking focal point.
• Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Boobook owl in Popcorn cassia

Permaculture Uses

• Nitrogen Fixation: As a member of the legume family, Senna didymobotrya is capable of enriching soil through nitrogen fixation. This makes it valuable in improving soil fertility for companion plants in food forests or permaculture systems.
• Windbreak or Shelterbelt: Can serve as a small windbreak or shelterbelt plant in permaculture designs, especially when used in multi-layered systems.
• Erosion Control: Its robust root system helps stabilise soil, making it useful for erosion-prone areas.
• Attracting Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers are highly attractive to bees and butterflies, supporting biodiversity and assisting in the pollination of nearby crops.
• Organic Mulch Source: Leaves and pruned branches can be used as a source of organic matter for mulch or compost, contributing to soil health and moisture retention.
• Aesthetic and Functional: Adds beauty to permaculture gardens while contributing to ecological functions like habitat creation and nutrient cycling.

Popcorn Cassia as pioneer plant in syntropic fruit tree system design and install by Nourished Landscapes. 

Caution

• Toxicity: Parts of the plant may be toxic if ingested by humans or pets. Handle with care and position it away from children and animals.
• Invasive Potential: In some areas, Senna didymobotrya has the potential to spread aggressively. Monitor growth to ensure it doesn’t outcompete native plants. Don't plant it next to waterways or bushland.

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About the Author

Doreen Jachmann from Nourished Landscapes has been providing permaculture services for over 10 years.

Doreen is passionate about helping people create sustainable and resilient landscapes.

Nourished Landscapes offer a variety of services, including:

* Permaculture design and installation

* Permaculture education, presentations and workshops

* Permaculture consulting

If you are interested in learning more about permaculture, please contact us today!