FABACEAE
Tree Lucerne, Silky cytisus, Tagasate.
Native to the Canary Islands in the Mediterranean.
Widely naturalised throughout Australia except in the N.T. Also Norfolk Island & NZ.
Small tree 1-6m tall with drooping branches. Branches, leaf undersides, flowers & fruit are softly hairy.
Leaves are up to 7 cm long in a group of 3 elongated leaflets 10-50mm long.
White or cream flowers pea shaped flowers 14 to17 mm long in small dense clusters. Winter.
Elongated, flattened pods that turn brown or black when mature 4-6cm x 8 -12mm wide.
Seed is dispersed by birds, insects & animals & the natural explosive propulsion of the ripened pod but also by slashing, machinery & garden waste. Seed will germinate readily after a fire. It has a long seed life & the nitrogen fixing ability will increase soil fertility & encourage other weed germination.
This plant is used as a fodder crop & sometimes is used in land rehabilitation or as a garden ornamental.