Townsville Stylo

Stylosanthes humilis

Also known as: Stylosanthes sundaica

Native to:
Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Suriname, United States, Venezuelan Antilles

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Stylosanthes
Species:
Stylosanthes humilis
USDA Symbol:
STHU4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
50 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow
Ground Cover:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
livestock forage
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from crown after fire; common in fire-prone tropical savannas and grasslands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in open, sunny environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Scarification improves germination; hard seed coat causes dormancy. Seeds may germinate erratically without treatment.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI