Sesbania sesban (Linn.) Merrill.

Description :

A small tree, almost evergreen, attaining a height of up to 6 m and a diameter of 15 cm. Leaves are green and pinnate. The flowers are pale yellow, slender and occur in the spring as well as in the autumn. Seed is produced in slightly twisted pods up to 25 cm long which contain many seeds. Young plants may be attacked by insect defoliators and stem borers. Grown very easily from seed which is sown directly. Can attain a height of 5 m in a year. Yield recorded in India was more than 5 tons/ha on a one-year rotation. Grains open textured, having low density and weak strength.

Distribution :

The tree is native to Egypt and has now found its way into Africa and Asia. It is widely planted in all parts of Pakistan. Grows in a wide variety of climatic and edaphic conditions primarily with irrigation. It can be grown on saline sites.

Uses :

It is fast growing but short-lived tree that can be grown in plantations. It responds to pruning but gradually dies back under excessive pollarding. It is often used as green manure and its annual variety is extensively used for biological amelioration of saline soils. A highly desirable farm forestry tree because of its fast growth rate, its nitrogen fixing properties and the market opportunities for its products. Also used for fuel, fodder, windbreak, support stakes for vegetables, soil improvement and fertilizer purposes.