| DESCRIPTION: It is a leguminous sub-shrub, decumbent, ascending or erect, 0.3ˆ1.3 m tall. Leaves pinnate, comprising 5ˆ10 leaflets. Inflorescence a many-flowered raceme to 20 cm long. Flowers very pale to deep pink or purplish. Pods silky when young, straight, somewhat curved or bent sharply at the base, to 28 mm long and ±2 mm wide. USE: Used for long-term pastures and leys. GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. COMMON NAMES: Kapiyebiye. FURTHER INF: It is native to Kenya, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The natural distribution extends from 18ºN in Sudan to 26ºS in South Africa. It occurs from near sea level to 2100 m, within an average annual temperature regime from 17ˆ26ºC. Found in grassland, especially on black cotton soil and in other areas becoming swampy after rain, and where slightly saline, alluvial tracts near rivers. Occurs in areas with annual rainfall of 250ˆ1100 mm, with uni- and bi-modal distribution, and dry season to 8 months. Extremely drought tolerant, but also tolerant of temporary waterlogging and presumably short term flooding. |