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Common names Madre de cacao, mother of cocoa, mata-raton, kakauati (Philippines), National Academy of
Mexican lilac, Madera negra
Sciences, 1980
This fast-growing tree is good for cultivation in populated areas; for example,
in villages, farms, backyards, and along fence lines, paddy bunds, and the
edges of roads and paths.
Description It is a small thornless tree that can grow up to 10m high. It has an open crown National Academy of
and an often contorted trunk that is 30 cm or less in diameter. It is one of the Sciences, 1980
Distribution It has been introduced to Africa and Asia and has become naturalized in the National Academy of
Philippines. It has been planted in Southern Florida and in South America as Sciences, 1980
far south as Brazil.
Subtopic Information Citation / Source
The earliest documented case of the use of G. sepium as an exotic is provided by FAO.org
Wiersum and Dirdjosoemarto (1987) who cite the Spaniards as taking it to the
Philippines in the early 1600s. It has also been used for several centuries in the
Caribbean where again the Spanish introduced it to shade cocoa (Ford 1987).
Accumulation of woody biomass by trees of G. sepium is very much dependent on Simons, et al 1994
climate and soils, management, planting density, length of rotation and the provenance
used. Salazar (1986) reports dry wood yields of up to 6.3 t/ha/year from trees in Costa
Rica, whereas Wiersum (1982) quotes yields of 1520 m3/ha/year. In the Philippines,
where G. sepium is grown in woodlots on a three-year rotation to provide wood for
tobacco curing, yields of up to 23-40 m3/ha/year have been obtained (Wiersum and
Dirdjosoemarto 1987).
Uses It produces good fuelwood. It fixes nitrogen eciently and grows well in, and National Academy of
enriches, poor soils. During dry (or cold) seasons it drops its heavy mantle of Sciences, 1980
TIMBER. The wood finishes smoothly and is suitable for furniture, small National Academy of
articles, agricultural implements, and tool handles. Highly resistant to termites Sciences, 1980
LIVING FENCE. It is easily propagated by cuttings, provided there is ample National Academy of
soil moisture. Even large branches will sprout roots and grow when they are Sciences, 1980
stuck in the ground. A row of these makes a very eective living fence or
windbreak that will last for many years without maintenance. Trimming these
fences every month or 2 during the rainy season assures large amounts of
foliage for green manure or ruminant feed.
ORNAMENTAL. The tree produces dense masses of attractive white or pink National Academy of
flowers.
Sciences, 1980
SHADE AND GREEN MANURE. The trees long. Leafy branches make it ideal National Academy of
as shade tree. It is widely used to shade cacao, coee, vanilla, and tea. The Sciences, 1980
foliage is rich in nitrogen and the falling leaves enrich the soil beneath the
trees. The foliage can also be cut and used to fertilize nearby crops.
Chintu, 2004
Subtopic Information Citation / Source
Short duration tree legume fallows (known as planted fallows) have been found to Chintu, 2004
replenish soil fertility and increase subsequent crop yields on N limiting soils
(Torquebiau and Kwesiga, 1996).
FODDER. The leaves contain over 20 percent crude protein and are nutritious National Academy of
for cattle. (They are, however, toxic to most other animals, including horses.)
Sciences, 1980
A less historic use of gliricidia but one that is increasing in occurrence is the use of
leaves as a green manure; however, only isolated examples of mulching or
incorporation of leaves into soil (e.g. El Gariton, Guatemala) are evident in the native
range. Greater use of gliricidia as a green manure has been made outside the native
range with reports as early as the 1930s in Malaysia (Anon. 1934) and Sri Lanka Simon, et al 1994
The toxic properties of the seeds and bark of G. sepium give rise to the generic epithet Simons, et al
of this species (Gliricidia = mouse killer) as well as a number of common names (e.g.
mata-raton). Present day uses of this species throughout the native range (e.g.
firewood, living fences, shade, construction and as an ornamental) are likely extensions
of early utilisation and popularity (Rico-Gray et al. 1991).
Subtopic Information Citation / Source
Soil. It does well in moist or dry soil, even with heavy concentrations of
limestone.
seasonally dry areas. It is largely deciduous during the dry season. In areas
where sufficient moisture prevails, however, the tree is evergreen (e.g.
Kalimantan, Indonesia; Seibert 1987).
Its temperature requirements are not too exacting as shown by the wide
variation in mean monthly temperature (20.7-29.2C) of native sites. It will
not, however, tolerate frosts which partly explains its absence above 1,200
m in the native range.
Establishment The plant is propagated easily by seed; however, the natural regeneration of National Academy of
large cuttings (often nearly 2 m long) is a simple method of getting large Sciences, 1980
specimen quickly.
Seed treatment. Soak in hot water, cool o during the night, sow the next National Academy of
morning.
Sciences, 1980
Subtopic Information Citation / Source
Cultivation and germination It can be propagated by seed, usually sown in plastic sachets; the seedlings FAO.org
are usually cut back, as "stumps" prior to planting. The usual precautions to
avoid seedlings drying out or being exposed to direct sunlight should be
observed. No scarification or pre-treatment of seeds is required prior to
germination, and germination rates above 90% are typical. Following
germination, trees grow extremely quickly and may attain a height of 3 m
before flowering at 6-8 months. Its rapid growth makes it an aggressive
pioneer capable of colonising secondary forest and fallow Imperata-
dominated grassland often forming dense, pure stands (Anoka et al. 1991).
Pests and Disease The tree is losing popularity in Puerto Rico because the foliage is often National Academy of
attacked by aphids that secrete a sweet honey dew that attracts ant and Sciences, 1980
causes the leaves to fall.
Limitations The roots, bark, and seeds are poisonous. The leaves may also be toxic to National Academy of
humans, although they are eaten in some parts of the tropics. Perhaps Sciences, 1980
cooking inactivates the toxin.