Agati Growing Information © Frances Michaels Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora syn. Agati grandiflora syn. Aeschynomene grandiflora Common Names: Agati, West Indian pea tree, gallito, agusta, bagphal, bak, pwa valye, agathi, flamingo bill, swamp pea, tiger tongue, vegetable-hummingbird, white dragon tree, gauai-gauai, katurai, pan, colbri vegetal, fagotier, fleur papillon, basma, chogache, hatiya; toroy, tuwi, ângkiëdèi, kacang turi, petai belalang, sesban getih, agasti, anari ,kathuru, murunga ,baculo, cresta de gallo, gallito, paloma, pico de flamenco, zapaton blanco ,peragathi ,kae-ban, khae Family: Fabaceae Origin: Malaysia and India Plant Description: Small, upright and fast growing tropical legume tree, to a height of 10m, with a trunk diameter of about 30 cm. The bole is straight and cylindrical, the wood white and soft. It has exceptionally large pea flowers which range in colour from white and pink through to red. The leaves are finely pinnate and the seedpods are long and narrow. It is adapted to both wet and dry regions of the tropics and is frost sensitive. Agati does best in warm humid areas, it does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C. It will grow in a wide range of soils, even poor ones and will tolerate a wide pH range and salinity. Uses: Intercrop; it can be used as a shade or nurse tree particularly for black pepper. It nodulates freely and is believed to restore fertility. Animal forage; the green leaves and pods are fed to cattle and goats. Food; the young leaves, flowers and tender pods are all favourite Asian vegetables. In Thailand, the flowers are called dok khae, in Vietnam they are called so đũa and in Indonesia they are known as bunga turi or kembang turi. The leaves contain over 36% crude protein (dry weight) and with their high mineral and vitamin content, they make a nutritious, spinach-like vegetable. They are used as greens, in stews, soups and curries but the centre of the flowers should be removed to reduce bitterness. Agati can be used for ornamental plantings, living fences, windbreaks, gum and tannin production, pulp and paper production. Cultural Requirements Planting Depth: Wait for warm, weather to sow; a soil temperature of at least 25°C is needed. In subtropical areas sow November - December; in tropical areas sow October until January. It can be direct sown or sown into seedling trays or forestry tubes for later transplanting. It is very important to use a free-draining seed raising mix and not over-water as it is prone to damping-off in the seedling stage. Spacing: Plant out at 1.5 - 2 m spacings. Details: Agati can be propagated by cuttings or seedlings. It has been found to be very susceptible to nematodes. It generally does not need inoculation. Protect young plants from all grazing animals. References: Edible Leaves of the Tropics, F W Martin and R M Ruberte, Mayaguez Institute of Tropical Agriculture Firewood Crops; Shrub and Tree Species for Energy Production National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C., 1980 Tropical Legumes: Resources for the Future, National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C., 1979 DISCLAIMER: We guarantee our seeds to the value of the purchase price. We are happy to replace the seeds, give you a credit or refund, whichever you prefer. Other than our guarantee to the extent of the purchase price Green Harvest gives no other warranty expressed or implied. No liability will be accepted by Green Harvest, its owners or employees as to the accuracy of any information. No responsibility will be taken for damage to property or persons due to information given about a product or technique. No responsibility will be taken for the loss of a crop or income due to information given about a product or technique. Copyright © 2001 - 2012 Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner