Vegetable hummingbird (Sesbania grandiflora) is a fast-growing tree, reaching an average height of up to 4.5 m. It is grown both as an ornamental tree to provide shade and as a method to recolonize degraded or eroded soils. Interestingly, gum from vegetable hummingbird is used to make fishing cord more durable.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Sesbania grandiflora, commonly known as vegetable hummingbird, katurai, agati, or West Indian pea, is a small leguminous tree native to Maritime Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The flowers are commonly eaten in Southeast and South Asia.
Sesbania grandiflora is a fast-growing tree. The leaves are regular and rounded and the flowers white, red or pink. The fruits look like flat, long, thin green beans. The tree thrives under full exposure to sunshine and is extremely frost sensitive.
It is a small soft wooded tree up to 5–25 m (16–82 ft) tall. Leaves are 15–30 cm (6–12 in) long, with leaflets in 10–20 pairs or more and an odd one. Flowers are oblong, 1.5–10 cm (1–4 in) long in lax, with two to four flower racemes. The calyx is campanulate and shallowly two-lipped. Pods are slender, falcate or straight, and 30–45 cm (12–18 in) long, with a thick suture and approximately 30 seeds 8 mm (0.3 in) in size.
II. How to Grow and Care
Temperature
Vegetable hummingbird exhibits notable tolerance to heat and moderate sensitivity to cold. It endures temperatures up to 43°C (109°F) but suffers in cold below 0°C (32°F). This resilience to high temperatures makes vegetable hummingbird suitable for tropical and subtropical regions. Under extreme cold, leaves may wilt or show discoloration. Excessive heat can result in leaf scorch. Care strategies include mulching and shading to mitigate overheating, while cold protection involves covering the plant or using frost cloths. Understanding these temperature tolerances is crucial for optimal care and maximizing the plant’s health and growth.
Watering
Originating from a tropical environment, vegetable hummingbird thrives in conditions that mimic its native high humidity and moist soil. It exhibits a preference for consistent moisture but is adaptable to periods of lower water availability, showing moderate drought tolerance. Watering should occur once every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly between sessions. As an outdoor plant often found in warm climates, vegetable hummingbird benefits from rainwater during its active growing season, which enhances its lush foliage and supports its flowering cycle.
Soil
Vegetable hummingbird thrives in neutral pH soils (6.0-7.0). Originating from tropical and subtropical regions, it prefers sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. A suitable soil mix includes 40% garden soil, 30% sand, and 30% compost. For drainage, ensure the soil is loose and well-aerated; add perlite if needed. Avoid water-logging by using containers with drainage holes. Enhance growth with balanced fertilizers high in nitrogen during the growing season. These conditions mimic its natural habitat, promoting healthy growth and nutrient uptake.
Fertilizing
For vegetable hummingbird, optimal growth and flowering are supported by using high phosphorus fertilizers during the budding phase, and balanced nutrition fertilizers for maintenance. Apply quarter strength, liquid-soluble fertilizers bi-monthly, increasing to monthly during peak growth in spring-summer. Caution: over-fertilization can harm vegetable hummingbird, so adhere to recommended quantities. Seasonal adjustments are vital; reduce frequency in colder months. Apply at the plant’s base, avoiding direct contact with foliage. Regular fertilization enhances growth, flowering, and plant vigor, maximizing vegetable hummingbird’s ornamental and edible potential.
Pruning
Vegetable hummingbird is a fast-growing, tropical leguminous tree known for its vibrant flowers and edible parts. Pruning should be done from early to late spring to encourage a bushier growth and prevent legginess. Regularly remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood. Thinning the inner canopy improves air circulation and light penetration, enhancing overall plant health. Proper pruning not only stimulates blossoming but also reduces the risk of pest infestations and promotes a more manageable structure.
Propagation
Vegetable hummingbird, a leguminous shrub recognized for its elongated leaves and showy, white to red flowers, is commonly cultivated in tropical regions for its ornamental and edible qualities. To propagate vegetable hummingbird, cuttings are the practical method of choice. Ensure the selected cuttings are healthy with several nodes, as this increases the likelihood of successful root development. Trim just below a node and remove the lower leaves to prepare the cutting. Planting in well-draining soil and maintaining adequate moisture without overwatering will promote root growth, providing new plants that mirror the characteristics of the parent.
Transplanting
Transplant vegetable hummingbird in the nascent warmth of spring to boost root establishment. Choose sunny spots with rich, well-drained soil. Gentle acclimatization is pivotal to transition success, ensuring vegetable hummingbird’s robust growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
S. grandiflora flowers are 92% water, 7% carbohydrates, 1% protein, and contain no fat. In a reference amount of 100 grams (3.5 oz), the flowers supply 27 calories, and are a rich source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value, DV) and folate (26% DV).
- Culinary
The flowers of S. grandiflora are eaten as a vegetable in Southeast Asia, including Java and Lombok in Indonesia, the Ilocos Region of the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. In the Thai language, the flowers are called ดอกแค (dok khae) and are used in the cuisine both cooked in curries, such as kaeng som and kaeng khae, and raw or blanched with nam phrik. The flowers are also prominantly used in Cambodian cuisine and are associated with the Bon Om Touk. The flower’s stamen is generally discarded before use. In addition to raw and blanched, the flowers can also be battered and deep fried.
The leaves are also edible. The leaves are eaten young. The seed pods are also consumed, similarly only when young.
The leaves are sometimes available commercially but flowers and seed pods come primarily from kitchen gardens.
- Fodder
It is used to make highly nutritional fodder for ruminants like cattle (but is deadly to chickens).
