Description
Christmas Candle (Cassia alata), also known as Senna alata or candle bush, is a striking tropical shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely recognized for its tall, upright spikes of bright yellow flowers that resemble candles, especially around the Christmas season in some regions—hence its common name. The plant has large, feather-like leaves and can grow up to 4 meters tall in favorable conditions. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Cassia alata is valued in traditional medicine, particularly for treating fungal infections like ringworm, which is why it’s sometimes called the “ringworm bush.” It thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil and is often found along roadsides, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. However, in some tropical regions, it has become invasive, spreading rapidly and outcompeting native vegetation. Despite this, its combination of beauty and medicinal uses makes it a notable plant in both horticulture and herbal medicine.
