[3] The species is native to the Indian subcontinent and adjacent regions of Southeast Asia.

It ranges throughout South India and Sri Lanka.

[4] The Latin specific epithet roxburghii refers to the Scottish Botanist William Roxburgh.

[5] The red cassia is a medium-sized tree, growing to 15–20 m (49–66 ft) tall with spreading, drooping branches.

The flowers are produced in pendulous racemes 20–40 cm (7.9–15.7 in) long, each flower 4–7 cm (1.6–2.8 in) diameter with red to pinkish petals.