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Senna obtusifolia

Species category

Weed

Common name

Java-bean, sicklepod

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Rhombic to diamond

Size

  • Length 5–5.5 mm 
  • Width 2–3 mm 
  • Thickness 1–1.5 mm 

Color

Brown with light brown diagonal band

Texture

Smooth often with stress cracks

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is on one pointed corner.

Identification notes

The more well-developed seeds have a shape where opposite sides are parallel, but corners are not right angles (parallelogram).

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Maryland, Mississippi, Virginia, West Virginia 

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Senna obtusifolia (L.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby

Synonyms

Cassia obtusifolia L.
Cassia tora auct. non L.
Emelista tora sensu Britton & Rose, non (L.) Britton & Rose as to type

Senna obtusifolia. True seeds with opposite sides that are parallel, but the corners are not right angles (parallelogram). Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Senna obtusifolia. True seeds with opposite sides that are parallel, but the corners are not right angles (parallelogram). Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.