Quickstick
Gliricidia sepium
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Gliricidia
- Species:
- Gliricidia sepium
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jan, feb, mar, apr, may, dec
- Bloom Colors:
- lavender, pink
Native Range
United States: Florida, Guam, Puerto Rico, Palau, Virgin Islands
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Bean pod borer (Maruca testulalis), Pea Blue (Lampides boeticus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in degraded soils and can improve soil fertility
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: For seeds, soaking overnight in cool water will cause them to swell and hasten germination. For cuttings, the lower portion is usually 'wounded' using a knife or clippers to make a few small incisions in the bark to promote rooting.
Establishment: Gliricidia is highly variable in form and productivity. Superior provenances such as Retalhuleu should be sought out for propagation. Seed pods are collected when brown and ripe, but before they are dry enough to curl and release their seeds. Cuttings can be taken any time of year, ideally when the new growth is appearing, usually at the onset of the rainy season.
Source: npn.rngr.net