Senna septemtrionalis (Viv.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby

Kicik-kicik (Senna septemtrionalis) is a shrub up to 6 meters tall of the Fabaceae family, native to Mexico and Central America, widely naturalized as far as Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Its seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, while the plant is commonly grown as an ornamental hedge. Kicik-kicik is traditionally believed to relieve fever, herpes, and skin fungal infections.

Grows well in places at elevations up to 2,300 m above sea level. This plant prefers fairly fertile sandy loam soil with full sunlight. Often found along riverbanks, forests and disturbed areas.

• Stem round, solid and woody at the base.
• Leaves compound, leaflets 3-4 pairs, broadly ovate to lance-shaped, 4.5-10.5 cm long, upper surface green, lower surface pale green.
• Flowers emerge at the tip of branches or leaf axils, arranged in racemes, have 5 bright yellow petals.
• Pods cylindrical or bluntly square-shaped, 6-10.5 cm long, 0.8-1.1 cm wide, the cavity somewhat soft, divided into 2 parallel rows of cells.
• Seeds 3.6-4.9 mm long, smooth, finely perforated, dark brown in color.

Propagated by seed. Soaking for 12 hours in warm water can increase germination percentage and reduce germination time.

Senna glycoside, anthraquinone glycoside dianthrone, naphthalene glycoside, hydroxyanthracene, flavonoid, emodin, chrysophanol.

Treats herpes and skin fungal infections, relieves fever, therapy for Bright's disease, expectorant, vermifuge, rheumatism, malaria, treats red eyes, reduces menstrual pain, controls blood sugar levels, epilepsy therapy.

• Select kicik-kicik seeds that are brownish in color.
• Dry the seeds until dry.
• Roast without oil until increasingly brownish and giving off a coffee aroma.
• Store in a clean container/plastic.

Kewer (West Java).