Senna obtusifolia, commonly known as Chinese senna or sicklepod, is an annual or short-lived perennial herb that is native to tropical regions of the Americas but has been introduced to Asia, Africa, and Oceania. It typically grows in disturbed areas such as roadsides, agricultural land, and overgrazed pastures, where it can become a serious weed. This plant is characterized by its erect, branching form, reaching heights of 2 to 6 feet (0.6 to 1.8 meters). It has compound leaves with 3 to 5 pairs of leaflets and bears yellow flowers during the summer months. The flowers are followed by curved, sickle-shaped pods that contain the seeds. Sicklepod is known for its rapid growth and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions.

In cultivation, Senna obtusifolia is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly the seeds, which are used in traditional medicine for their laxative effects and to benefit the eyes. It is also used as a green manure or cover crop in tropical agricultural systems due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Gardeners should be aware that it requires full sun to partial shade, moderate water, and well-drained soils. While it can be a useful plant, it is also known to be invasive outside its native range, and its aggressive seeding can lead to problems in natural habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0