shpriparna :

Cultivation:

A plant of the tropics and subtropics, it is adapted to a seasonal monsoon climate and a dry season of up to 6 months species. However, for optimal growth more than 1,000 mm of annual rainfall is required and it can succeed in areas with 4,500mm

It is tolerant of some frost, surviving minimum temperatures of -4°c, and can also tolerate temperatures as high as 45°c Prefers a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun

Succeeds in poor soils

but growth is retarded on badly drained or stony soils

Grows best in an acid to neutral soil

Succeeds in alkaline soils

Older trees are very drought-resistant and can withstand up to 9 dry months and mean annual rainfall of only 400 mm

The tree is very invasive, showing pioneer characteristics, and can become a serious weed, as has been the case in Australia

Seedlings and saplings have a strong taproot with numerous fibrous lateral roots, some of which may later develop into large superficial roots

Young trees may grow fast; under exceptional conditions, they may reach 3.7 metres in 1 year, as much as 11 metres in 5 years and 15 metres in 10 years, but more usually growth rates are 5 metres in 5 years, 10 metres in 10 years and 17 metres (with a mean bole diameter of 25 cm) in 20 years

Trees are often surrounded by numerous root suckers

It is a strong light demander and only vigorous trees attain larger sizes in dense stands, suppressing weaker trees

Propogation:

Seed - usually the seeds are not extracted from the pods, but the pods are broken into 1-seeded pieces

Seeds have no dormancy, and the germination rate may be almost 100% when fresh seed from mature trees is used

Pre-treatment of seeds is not necessary, but soaking in water for 12 - 24 hours accelerates germination

Germination of fresh seed takes 7 - 21 days

Shading is recommended during the hottest hours of the day during the germination period

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing

When stored dry or in a cold store, seeds remain viable for up to 1.5 years. Viability is maintained for 4 years in hermetic storage and 1 - 2 years when stored in airtight containers under dry, cool conditions

Root suckers and root and stem cuttings can also be used for propagation.