Cassia Alata

Now known botanically as Senna alata, the candle bush is a spectacular tropical shrub with huge, paired leaflets and erect golden-yellow flower spikes resembling thick candles. Dark bracts open progressively to reveal the blooms, followed by long, winged black pods held upright against the foliage. Native to tropical America but now widespread in warm climates, it grows rapidly and can make a dramatic summer specimen from seed. The alternative name ringworm bush reflects traditional uses in its introduced range, but the plant should be treated as ornamental and not used medicinally without expert guidance.