Fabaceae
Centrosema pubescens
Centro, Butterfly pea
C
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Centrosema pubescens is a vigorous herbaceous perennial climber with stems that scramble over the ground or twine for support. Its trifoliolate leaves have ovate to orbicular, finely pubescent leaflets, often displaying reddish young growth. Showy, pea-like flowers appear in shades of lilac to bluish-violet, followed by linear, compressed pods that can reach up to 13 cm in length. Native to Central and South America, it is widely cultivated in tropical regions for livestock forage and soil improvement.
Where it works in Kilifi
This fast-growing vine is well-suited for ground cover or soil enrichment in Kilifi's tropical, low-altitude gardens, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerant of various soil types, including nutrient-poor conditions. It can be intercropped with grasses or used in restoration areas due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and drought tolerance. However, its aggressive growth requires careful management to prevent it from smothering native vegetation.
Growing notes
Centrosema pubescens is a fast-growing plant that, once established, exhibits good drought tolerance due to its deep root system, though it prefers consistently moist to wet soil conditions. It is intolerant of cold temperatures, performing poorly below 15°C, but can endure waterlogging and significant shade. Seeds often have a hard coat and benefit from scarification before planting.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, greeninstitute.ng, plantpono.org, tropicalforages.info, youtube.com, stuartxchange.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.