Cassia alata is an erect tropical, annual herb with leathery compounded leaves found in the Western Ghats of India. The plant grows quickly to a height of 6-12 ft and can live for many years. It has waxy yellow spikes on the tip of each branch for which reason they are also known by the name candle bush and seven golden candle sticks. The spikes elongates as the period of blossom progresses. Flowers are pollinated by carpenter bees and caterpillars of migrating butterflies feed on this plant.

The entire plant has both internal and external medicinal properties. Application of the crushed leaves is used for skin diseases and the boiled one for treatment for high blood pressure, snake bites and venereal diseases. The flowers have anti-fungal properties. Taken internally the plant is used as remedy for asthma symptoms, weight loss and stomach ulcers.