| Binomial |
Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.)Walp. |
| Family |
Fabaceae |
| Tamil Name |
சீமை அகத்தி (Seemai Agathi) |
| Habit |
Medium sized tree with an open crown |
| Bark |
Light yellow to brown, vertically fissured and smooth when young |
| Flowers |
Bright pink to lilac flowers are arranged in clustered racemes |
| Fruits |
Green to brown dehiscent pod |
| Flowering Period |
February – April |
| Pollinators |
Bees, Insects |
| Native to Mexico and Central America |
A very valuable multipurpose tree and important component of various agroforestry systems, the tree is often cultivated as a shade and support tree; as a green manure and forage crop in plantations; it is also used for the establishment of living fences The plant is often grown as
an ornamental, where it is particularly valued for its arching branches being weighed down
by the densely packed racemes of nectar-rich flowers.
This tree is able to fix Nitrogen and is thus considered as a good soil improver. Because of its
deep roots and quick growth, it is used as a windbreak. It thrives on steep slopes and may be
used to reclaim denuded land. Gliricidia sepium is also often used as shade for perennials
(coffee, tea, cocoa) or as nurse-tree since it produces light shade and reduces soil
temperatures
The plant is reported to be expectorant, sedative and suppurative. Crude extracts have been
shown to have antifungal activity. The plant has found application as a rodenticide and
general pesticide. The seeds are used as a rat poison. An extract of the leaf is used as an
ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a hair conditioner and skin conditioner. |
| Location on campus: |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DqGDHDPPqkQ8Kaq9 |
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