Anil Racimillo
Tephrosia senna
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Belize, Cayman Is., Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © stevemaldonadosilvestrini (iNaturalist #63449985)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Tephrosia
- Species:
- Tephrosia senna
- USDA Symbol:
- TESE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, purple, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from periodic fire to reduce competition.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarify seed coat (nick or hot water) then warm stratify 30-60 days followed by cold stratification 30-60 days.