
Sesbania grandiflora is a loosely branching tree up to 15 m tall.
Its leaves are pinnately compound up to 30 cm long with 20-50
leaflets in pairs, dimensions 12-44 x 5-15 mm, oblong to elliptical
in shape. Flowers are large, white, yellowish, rose pink or red with
a calyx 15-22 mm long. The standard has dimensions up to 10.5 x 6
cm. Pods are long (20-60 cm) and thin (6-9 mm) with broad sutures
containing 15-50 seeds.
The flowers and young leaves of S. grandiflora are edible and are
often used to supplement meals Tender pods may also be eaten as
vegetables. Medical use: The dried leaves of both S. grandiflora and
S. sesban are used in some countries as a tea which is considered to
have antibiotic, anti-helminthic, anti-tumour and contraceptive
properties.the root is a well known medicine for malaria.Flower
serves as emollient . |