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Gliricidia
Gliricidia sepium
A long-lived, easily propagated nitrogen-fixing tree native to Central America, valued in East African agroforestry for its ability to establish from large stem cuttings and its use as living fences, fodder and shade. Produces conspicuous pink-lilac flowers, often while leafless.
Log in to request a quotation- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tree type
- agroforestry/nitrogen-fixing, fodder
- Mature height (m)
- 8-12
- Growth rate
- medium
- Lifespan (years)
- 30-40
- Native region
- Mexico and Central America
Environment
Growing Conditions
- Climate requirements
- Suited to lowland and mid-altitude tropics (0-1500m) with 600-3500mm rainfall; drought tolerant but less cold-hardy than highland species.
- Soil types
- Tolerates poor, degraded and moderately acidic soils; adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions.
- Water requirements
- Drought tolerant once established; moderate ongoing water needs.
Cultivation
Planting & Care
- Planting guide
- Propagated readily from large hardwood stem cuttings (live stakes) as well as seed; planted at the start of the rains, spaced 0.25-1m apart for hedgerows/living fences or wider for shade, and commonly used in alley cropping and as support for climbing crops.
- Care guide
- Coppices and pollards well; regularly cut back to encourage leafy regrowth for fodder and mulch.
Phenology
Flowering & Fruiting
- Flowering season
- Dry season, often while leafless
- Fruiting season
- Following flowering
Value
Uses & Economic Importance
- Uses
- Fodder, green manure/mulch, living fences, shade for coffee/cocoa, support for climbing crops, and firewood.
- Economic importance
- Increasingly promoted in Kenyan smallholder systems for living fences, fodder banks, and rehabilitation of degraded land, valued for its ease of establishment from cuttings.
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