Senna italica, commonly known as Port Royal senna or Italian senna, is a deciduous perennial herb or shrub. It is native to a variety of habitats including savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions in Africa and Asia, from Cape Verde to Somalia and South Africa, and from the Middle East to India and Sri Lanka. This species typically grows up to 24 inches tall and features pinnate leaves with small leaflets. The yellow or orange flowers bloom in racemes and are moderately showy, attracting pollinators such as bees. After flowering, it produces elongated seed pods.

Port Royal senna is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly the leaves, which contain compounds used as a laxative. It is also used ornamentally in gardens for its bright flowers and as a border plant. Senna italica prefers full sun to part shade and grows best in well-drained soils. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. Gardeners should be cautious when planting Senna italica outside its native range, as it can become invasive, outcompeting native flora.CC BY-SA 4.0