GLIRICIDIA GROWING INFORMATION   © Frances Michaels   Botanical Name: Gliricidia sepium syn. G. maculata Common Name: Mexican lilac, Madre de cacao, Cacao de nance, cacahnanance, Kakawate, Mata Raton, Madriado, Quickstick, glory cedar, nicaraguan cacao shade,  St. Vincent plum, tree of iron Family: Fabaceae Origin: Central America Plant Description: A small, thornless tree that grows to 10m high. It has an open crown and an often contorted trunk that is 30cm or less in diameter. It produces dense masses of attractive white or pink flowers. It is only suited to frost-free areas. Uses: Intercrop; it is ideal as a shade tree for crops such as cacao, coffee, vanilla and tea, the foliage is rich in nitrogen and can be cut as mulch. Fuelwood; very useful as a firewood with a calorific value of 4,900 kcal per kg, it also coppices well. Timber; the wood finishes smoothly and is suitable for furniture and tool handles. It is highly resistant to termites and decay and is also used for posts and heavy construction. Living fence; Gliricidia is easily propagated by cuttings, provided there is ample soil moisture. Even large branches will sprout roots and grow when they are stuck in the ground. A row of these makes a very effective living fence or windbreak that will last many years without maintenance. Fodder; the leaves contain over 20% crude protein and are nutritious for cattle BUT TOXIC TO HORSES AND MOST OTHER ANIMALS. Bee forage; good source of nectar for bees. CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS Sowing rate: Soak the seed in hot water, cool off during the night, sow the next morning. Sow individual seeds in containers such as recycled milk cartons or forestry tubes. Transplant while the ground is still moist. Planting Depth: Sow during the wet season, when soil temperature is over 25°C; cover seed lightly and firm down. Spacing: Plant out at 1-2 m spacings. Details: Gliricidia seedlings establish better under shade than in full sun.   Available from Green Harvest: Year round as seed REFERENCE: Firewood Crops; Shrub and Tree Species for Energy Production, National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C., 1980       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, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008  Green Harvest No part of this website may be reproduced without permission of the owner