Dazzling Candlebush

Scientific name	Mayan name	Español	English
Senna racemosa	K’an lool	Casia Amarilla	Dazzling Candlebush

A key species in the hummingbird-plant network, providing reliable resources during the dry season when other food might be scarce. The flowers of Senna racemosa grow in dense, upright clusters that turn the entire tree canopy a brilliant, buttery yellow. Each individual blossom is shaped like an open bowl, with five rounded petals that aren't perfectly symmetrical; one petal is often slightly larger or tilted differently than the rest. Unlike the deep "tubes" of the Siricote, these flowers are wide open, making their nectar and bright yellow pollen easy to reach. A key feature is the group of curved, hook-like stalks in the center that hold the pollen, which are specifically designed to brush against the underside of a visiting bee or hummingbird. Once the flowers fade, they are replaced by long, thin green pods that eventually turn brown and papery.

While hummingbirds generally prefer red or orange flowers, they are highly opportunistic. The Cinnamon Hummingbird and Canivet’s Emerald are frequently seen visiting Senna trees.

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The Flowers

References

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:234630-2