Leichhardt Bean, Golden Shower tree, Brewster's cassia
Cassia brewsteri

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A large shrub or small tree. It grows 5-12 m high. It can spread 4-7 m wide. In rainforest it can grow 30 m high. The bark is dark grey and furrowed. The leaves are alternate and pinnate. The leaves have 4-8 dark green leaflets. These are 4-6 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. They are paler underneath. They flowers are dull yellow. They hang down on long strings. The pods are long and slightly flattened. The pods are 45 cm long. The pods are divided into segments. The pods turn dark brown to black. The seeds are flat and yellowish-brown.

There are 100 Cassia species. This group has been revised to a smaller more consistent group. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is native to N.E. Australia. It grows in drier regions as well as warm humid coastal lowlands. It suits warm temperate regions and into tropical regions. It needs well drained soil. It needs full sunlight. It cannot stand frost. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia (country/location of origin), East Africa

How it is used for food

The young seeds are roasted and eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, gum

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed need treatment to get them to grow. Plants can also be grown by aerial layering and grafting.

Plants grow very quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Cigar Cassia

Synonyms

Cathartocarpus brewsteri F. Muell.; Senna brewsteri