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No data have been published on the properties of ''Chamaecrista falcinella''. Several interesting compounds with pharmacological activities have been isolated from other ''Chamaecrista'' spp.
== Botany Description ==
Annual or perennial herb up to 60 cm tall. Leaves alternate, paripinnate with 5–17 pairs of leaflets; stipules falcate, slightly cordate at base; petiole with sessile gland, rachis without gland; leaflets sessile, elliptical, up to 17 mm × 3 mm, midrib asymmetrical, apex acute with prickle-like point bent sideways. Inflorescence a 1–3-flowered raceme. Flowers bisexual, nearly regular, 5-merous; pedicel 1–2.5 cm long, hairy; sepals acute, pubescent; petals obovate, up to 10 mm long, yellow; stamens 8–10; ovary superior, 1-celled, style curved. Fruit a pod up to 4.5 cm × 0.5 cm. Seeds rhombic, c. 3 mm long.
== Other botanical information ==
''Chamaecrista'' comprises about 250 species with about 40 species in continental Africa, and 10 in Madagascar, 6 of them endemic. ''Chamaecrista falcinella'' is variable, and several varieties are distinguished.
=== ''Chamaecrista zambesica'' ===''[[Chamaecrista zambesica]]'' (Oliv.) Lock (synonym: ''Chamaecrista hildebrandtii'' (Vatke) Lock) is also used in traditional medicine. In Kenya the leaves and roots are used as a cathartic against the intestinal protozoal parasite ''Giardia lamblia''. Laboratory tests confirmed the lethal effect on the parasite. === ''Chamaecrista lateriticola'' ===''[[Chamaecrista lateriticola]]'' (R.Vig.) Du Puy is endemic to Madagascar, where a leaf infusion is taken against stomach-ache.
== Ecology ==
== Correct citation of this article ==
Bosch, C.H., 2006. '''Chamaecrista falcinella''' (Oliv.) Lock. [Internet] Record from PROTA4U. In: Schmelzer, G.H. & Gurib-Fakim, A. (Editors). PROTA (Plant Resources of Tropical Africa / Ressources végétales de l’Afrique tropicale), Wageningen, Netherlands. <http://www.prota4u.org/search.asp>. Accessed {{CURRENTDAY}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}.
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