Status:
valid
Authors:
(Roxb.) G.Don
Source:
tro
Year:
1839
Citation Micro:
R.Sweet, Hort. Brit., ed. 3: 170 (1839)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001055146
Common Names
- Tephrosia Pentaphylla
- Five-leaved Tephrosia
- Five-foliolate Tephrosia
Description
Tephrosia pentaphylla (also called Cat's claw, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree with pinnate leaves and yellow flowers. It is native to tropical Africa and Asia, and is found in dry forests and scrubland.
Uses & Benefits
Tephrosia pentaphylla is used as a green manure crop, as a soil conditioner, and as a source of fodder for livestock. It is also used as a food source for humans, as a fish poison, and as a source of oil and dye.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Tephrosia pentaphylla has small yellow flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings are slender and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Tephrosia pentaphylla can be propagated by seed, cuttings, and division. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and planted in a warm, sunny location. Division should be done in early spring or late fall. Plants should be spaced at least 12 inches apart.
Where to Find Tephrosia pentaphylla
Tephrosia pentaphylla is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is commonly found in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed habitats.
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