Chamaecrista fasciculata
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Cassia fasciculata |
Chamaecrista fasciculata is a species of legume native to most of the eastern United States.[1] It is an annual which grows to approximately 0.5 meters tall.[1] It has bright yellow flowers from early summer until first frost[2], with flowers through the entire flowering season if rainfall is sufficient.[1]
The flowers are bisexual (contain both male and female parts) although a small number of plants (less than 5%) do not produce sufficient pollen to reproduce as males (and are thus called male steriles). This phenomenon has been studied in a variety of plants as a possible evolutionary step towards dioecy (in which male and female flowers occur on separate plants).[2]
It thrives in areas that have recently burned, but will decline in numbers in the years following a fire.[1] It is considered an excellent choice for planting in disturbed areas, as it will quickly cover an area, preventing erosion, and decline as other plants become established.[1] It is also grown as an ornamental or for honey production.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f Cassia fasciculata. Fire Effects Information System.
- ^ a b Holly L. Williams and Charles B. Fenster (1998). "Ecological and genetic factors contributing to the low frequency of male sterility in Chamaecrista Fasciculata (Fabaceae)". American Journal of Botany 85: 1243–1250.
