Annual or perennial herb or shrub up to 2(–2.5) m tall. Leaves alternate, imparrinnate with 3 pairs of leaflets; stipules linear or filiform; petiole without gland, rachis with prominent gland between 1–2 lower pairs of leaflets; leaflets obovate, (1–)1.5–5(–6) cm long, apex rounded or abruptly acuminate, mucronate. Inflorescence 1–2-flowered, with usually very short peduncle. Flowers bisexual, 5-merous; pedicel 1.5–3.5(–4.5) cm long; sepals ovate, c. 5 mm long; petals obovate, 1–2 cm long, yellow; stamens 10, lower 3 largest, 4 somewhat smaller and 3 very small, reduced; ovary superior, linear, curved. Fruit a linear, dehiscent pod up to 23 cm × 0.5 cm, straight or curved, many-seeded. Seeds rhomboid, c. 5 mm long, with a distinct areole.

Anthelminthic and laxative (leaves and root)

PROTAbase: Senna obtusifolia

Betulinic acid (root)

The leaves are used as a poultice to treat skin infections, sores, ulcers and insect bites. The leaves are further used against vomiting and stomach-ache. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat eye complaints. The seeds are eaten, combined with a leaf decoction, to treat conjunctivitis.