Senna alata is an important medicinal tree, as well as an ornamental flowering plant in the subfamily Caesalpinioideae.

Senna alata is native to most of the Neotropics (from Mexico and the West Indies to Paraguay),[4][5][6] and can be found in diverse habitats.

These plants have a greater ornamental and medicinal value in the southeast Asia, North Australia and African ranges.

The seed pods (fruits) are nearly straight, dark brown or nearly black, about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide.

Senna alata is locally known as akapulko in the Philippines where it is used as both an ornamental and medicinal plant due to its laxative, purgative and anti-fungal properties.