Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1853
Citation Micro:
B.Seemann, Bot. Voy. Herald: 107 (1853)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000164680
Common Names
- Tephrosia nitens
- Shiny Tephrosia
- Shiny-leaf Tephrosia
Synonyms
- Tephrosia albida Brandegee [valid]
- Cracca nitens (Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
- Tephrosia nitens lanata Micheli [valid]
- Orobus argenteus Mill. [valid]
Description
Tephrosia nitens (also called Shining Tephrosia, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to South America. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils in open woods, thickets, and roadsides. It has small, white to pinkish flowers and pinnately compound leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Tephrosia nitens is used as a green manure crop, as a cover crop, and as a forage crop. It has also been used as a soil improver, to control erosion, and to increase soil fertility.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Tephrosia nitens is a small, white, pea-like flower with a yellow center. The seed is a small, flat, brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with two leaflets and a single stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tephrosia nitens is a perennial shrub that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer and cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall.
Where to Find Tephrosia nitens
Tephrosia nitens is found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is a common weed in disturbed areas.
Tephrosia nitens FAQ
What are the common names of Tephrosia nitens?
Shiny Tephrosia
What is the growth rate of Tephrosia nitens?
Moderate
What is the soil type of Tephrosia nitens?
Well-drained, sandy soil
Species in the Tephrosia genus
Tephrosia abbottiae,
Tephrosia adunca,
Tephrosia angustissima,
Tephrosia belizensis,
Tephrosia brandegei,
Tephrosia cana,
Tephrosia chrysophylla,
Tephrosia cinerea,
Tephrosia clementis,
Tephrosia conzattii,
Tephrosia cuernavacana,
Tephrosia decumbens,
Tephrosia diversifolia,
Tephrosia egregia,
Tephrosia florida,
Tephrosia foliolosa,
Tephrosia guaranitica,
Tephrosia hassleri,
Tephrosia hypoleuca,
Tephrosia lanata,
Tephrosia langlassei,
Tephrosia leiocarpa,
Tephrosia leucantha,
Tephrosia lindheimeri,
Tephrosia madrensis,
Tephrosia major,
Tephrosia marginata,
Tephrosia mexicana,
Tephrosia multifolia,
Tephrosia nicaraguensis,
Tephrosia nitens,
Tephrosia onobrychoides,
Tephrosia pachypoda,
Tephrosia palmeri,
Tephrosia perriniana,
Tephrosia platyphylla,
Tephrosia pogonocalyx,
Tephrosia potosina,
Tephrosia pringlei,
Tephrosia quercetorum,
Tephrosia rhodantha,
Tephrosia rugelii,
Tephrosia saxicola,
Tephrosia seemannii,
Tephrosia simulans,
Tephrosia smallii,
Tephrosia submontana,
Tephrosia tepicana,
Tephrosia thurberi,
Tephrosia vernicosa,
Species in the Fabaceae family