Cassia venusta

F. Muell.

Fabaceae Edible: Grubs

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Description

A small shrub. It grows 1-3 m high and spreads 1-1.5 m wide. Young shoots have long silky hairs. The leaves are 15-20 cm long and the 6-15 pairs of leaflets are 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. The flowering stalks are 40 cm long. The fruit is a pod 5-7 cm long by 1 cm wide and flat.

Edible Uses

Grubs found on this plant are eaten.

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in northern coastal areas in Australia.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed.

Production

Plants are very fast growing.

Notes

There are 100 Cassia species. This group has been revised to a smaller more consistent group. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

References (6)

Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 189
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 475
Fragm. 1:165. 1859
Hall, N. et al, 1972, The Use of Trees and Shrubs in the Dry Country of Australia, AGPS, Canberra. p 207
Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 51

Show all 6 references