shana :

Seedpods and seed Photograph by: Arria Belli

Cultivation:

Plants in this genus generally prefer a sunny position, succeeding in dry to moist, well-drained soils

Grown as a green manure, fibre crop and ornamental, the plant has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in some areas. It is considered to be invasive in some areas - in Hawaii, for example, it is naturalized in disturbed sites such as roadsides, dump sites and urban areas

The plant can flower and produce fruit all year round

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby

Propogation:

Seed - sow in situ. Pre-soaking the seed for 12 hours in warm water can help to reduce germination time.

Harvesting:

Seeds should be collected from mature pods that were allowed to dry on the plant. Sow seeds immediately, because they quickly lose viability.

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