Gliricidia sepium clusters of pink flowers with yellow centers along a woody branch

Gliricidia sepium

Native from Mexico through Central America to Colombia, this nitrogen-fixing deciduous tree grows in seasonally dry tropical regions. It can reach about fifty feet tall and often flowers on leafless branches during the dry season. Its pea-shaped flowers are pink to pale lilac or whitish. Flattened pods split explosively at maturity, scattering their seeds.

The tree readily resprouts after pruning and is widely planted as living fence posts and shade for coffee and cacao. Its protein-rich leaves provide fodder for cattle and goats, while pruned branches supply green manure and mulch. Its wood supplies firewood, charcoal and construction materials. The foliage may be toxic to non-ruminant animals, including horses. Its flowers are traditionally fried and eaten. It has naturalized on the island of Hawaiʻi. Photographed in northern Colombia.

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Gliricidia sepium upright cluster of pink flowers with yellow centers

Gliricidia sepium pink flowers and pale buds beside a woody branch

Gliricidia sepium pink flower clusters along a woody branch

Gliricidia sepium arching branch covered with pink flower clusters

Gliricidia sepium pink flowers with yellow centers among pale buds

Gliricidia sepium pink flowers and pale buds with green calyces

Gliricidia sepium cream flowers with pink keel petals

Gliricidia sepium dense cluster of pink flowers with yellow centers

Gliricidia sepium pink flower clusters and unopened buds along bare branches

Gliricidia sepium cream flowers with pink keel petals along a branch

Gliricidia sepium pink flower clusters and pale buds