SESBANIA BISPINOSA

The legume '''Sesbania bispinosa''' is known by many common names, including 'danchi', 'dunchi', 'dhaincha', 'canicha', 'prickly sesban', or 'spiny sesbania'. It is native to Asia and North Africa, is most common in tropical Africa where it grows as a common noxious weed, and has been introduced to the Americas. It is an annual shrub which can grow to seven meters in height but usually only reaches one to two meters. It sends out fibrous, pithy stems with long leaves and bears purple-spotted yellow flowers. It produces pods which contain light brown beans.
The plant has a great number of uses. It can be used like industrial hemp for rope, fish nets, sackcloth and sailcloth. Its fibers are similar to those of birch trees and show promise as a source of paper fiber. The foliage makes a good fodder for livestock and the beans can be fed to fowl. The plant has been used as a famine food by people. Natural gum from the plant is useful as a thickening agent. Like other legumes, it can be planted to improve the soil via nitrogen fixation. It makes a good firewood. The beans have historically been used in poultices to treat ringworm and other skin infections.
''S. bispinosa'' is adapted to wet, heavy soil but apparently adapts easily to drought-prone or sandy regions. It is cultivated widely in India and it is grown in rice paddies in Vietnam for use as firewood.

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External links

External links

★ USDA Plants Profile

★ New Crops Info Page

★ GRIN taxonomy