Encountered this flower at the forest in Tayabas, Quezon province. Locals call it Akapulko and it's known to have medicinal uses, according to a herbal site. Other names are ringworm bush, candle bush [Casia alata Linn., Senna alata]. It is an erect, shrubby legume found throughout the Philippines. It grows up to 6 feet tall, with dark green compound leaves. It has yellow-orange flowers that produce on average 50-60 small, triangular seeds. The leaves, flowers and seeds have very effective fungicidal properties for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone content, is also well proven.
Posted for Today's Flowers
