Prickly Sesban
Sesbania bispinosa
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Pl. E1D1 — Sesbania bispinosa
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IOverview
Overview
Prickly Sesban, scientifically known as Sesbania bispinosa, is an annual or biennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and Botswana. This hardy plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It requires full sun exposure and can grow up to 2 meters tall. While primarily found in its native range, Prickly Sesban has been cultivated beyond these areas due to its edible seed parts. Its distinctive features include spiny stems and leaves, making it easily recognizable among other plants. This versatile plant is appreciated not only for its ornamental value but also as a food source.
Quick answers
What is Prickly Sesban?
Prickly Sesban, scientifically known as Sesbania bispinosa, is an annual or biennial plant native to regions including Afghanistan, Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, and Botswana. This hardy plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Prickly Sesban thrives in full sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows as an annual or biennial reaching up to 2 meters in height. Hardy in zones 10-12, this plant requires regular watering but can tolerate a range of soil types. For propagation, seeds are the preferred method.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Mature size
2.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Prickly Sesban for the first time
8steps
Start with Prickly Sesban as an easy-to-grow annual, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a garden fork, a rake, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when soil temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep and 30-60 cm apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with compost every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough support for tall plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:FertilizerFiberFire starterCover cropGumHedgerowMulchtextilesPest controlWind breakerSoil conditionerSoil reclamationWeaving materialNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia9 regions
native (9)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaIranLaosMyanmarOmanPakistan
Africa15 regions
native (15)BotswanaBurkina FasoCabo VerdeCameroonComorosGambiaGuineaKenyaLesothoMadagascarMalawiMauritaniaMauritiusMozambiqueNamibia
Broader regions
native:Andaman Is., Hainan, Central African Repu, Laccadive Is., East Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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