| DESCRIPTION: Deep-rooting, leguminous plant usually reaching between 1.5 and 3 m in height. However, varying in habit from completely prostrate over shrub to tree of up to 6 m. Leaves are trifoliolate. Flowers are arranged in an elongated, many-noded pseudoraceme up to 30 cm long, with 6-9 flowers per node. Flowers are lilac or, very exceptionally, white. Pods are straight, flat, up to 20 cm long and 1-2 cm broad. USE: It is used as dry season supplement, as silage or fresh and as protein supplement to replace feed concentrates for dairy cows, as hay and as a living hedge. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. Warm season growth only. COMMON NAMES: Cratylia. FURTHER INF: Its geographic distribution extends between 4-18ºS from northeast Brazil to central and west Brazil at altitudes between 180-930 m. (longitudinal range: 39-77ºW). From wet to dry tropics, annual rainfall 1000-4000 mm. High drought tolerance, stays green in prolonged dry seasons (6-7 months). Particularly well adapted to sub-humid zones, with a 5-6 month dry season. Usually found on well drained, sandy loams with pH 3.8-6.0. Though apparently adapted also to higher pH soils, initial development such soils is very slow. |