Senna alexandrina (Alexandrian Senna, and see below) is an ornamental plant in the genus Senna. It is used in herbalism. It grows natively in upper Egypt, especially in the Nubian region, and near Khartoum (Sudan), where it is cultivated commercially. It is also grown elsewhere, notably in India and Somalia. Historically Senna Alexandrina was used in the form of senna pods, or as a tisane made from the leaves, as a laxative. S. alexandrina is also known under the names Egyptian Senna, Tinnevelly Senna, East Indian Senna or the French séné de la palthe. It received the names "Alexandrian Senna" and "Egyptian Senna" because Alexandria in Egypt was the main trade port in past times. The fruits and leaves were transported from Nubia and Sudan and other places to Alexandria then from it and across the Mediterranean sea to Europe and adjacent Asia.