Fabaceae-Caesalpinaceae
Sesbania speciosa
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This erect, bushy annual to biennial herb typically grows 1-3 metres tall. It features compound leaves with 16-35 pairs of small leaflets and produces racemes of 8-20 flowers. The curved pods, up to 30 cm long, contain numerous yellowish-brown, rectangular seeds. Native to East tropical Africa, including Kenya, it thrives in wetlands and is often cultivated as a green manure.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for moist to seasonally flooded areas, this species works well in wetland restoration or as a nitrogen-fixing green manure crop in Kilifi gardens. It can also provide light shade in suitable wet sites. Plant in full sun.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, it establishes quickly and thrives in hot conditions. Seeds benefit from scarification to aid germination. While tolerant of waterlogging and established drought, it generally requires moderate to abundant moisture. This species can reseed readily, so manage to prevent unwanted spread.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, kew.org, iisc.ac.in, jstor.org, ucdavis.edu, usda.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.