Originally, two different senna plants were distinguished: Cassia senna L. (syn. Cassia acutifolia Delile - Alexandrine or Khartoum senna) and Cassia angustifolia Vahl (Tinnevelly senna). Both species differ insignificantly in appearance and constituents, according to molecular genetic study summary of both plants to hardly any differences.
Senna alexandrina Mill. occurrence: Warm, dry areas, from northern central Africa to southern India.
The 60 cm to 2 m tall Senna shrub has five- to nine-pinnate leaves and faint yellow flowers. Senna fruits are pods up to 5 cm long.
Both the dried leaves (Sennae folium) and the dried pods (Senna fruits - Sennae fructus) are used phytotherapeutically.