Tree lucerne
Chamaecytisus palmensis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

An upright bushy shrub. It can grow to 4 m high. The branches are drooping and softly hairy. The leaves have 3 leaflets. They are smooth above and hairy underneath. The flowers are creamy-white and have a scent. They are pea-like and occur in clusters. They are at the end of small branches. The fruit are hairy pods. They are about 5 cm long. They contain about 10 seeds.

There are about 30 Chamaecytisus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate to subtropical plant. It grows very easily on lateritic soils in higher rainfall areas. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Canary Islands, East Africa, Ethiopia, Europe, Spain, Tasmania

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Animal fodder ?

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Seeds grow easily.

It grows quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Tagasaste

Synonyms

Cytisus palmensis ;