White Dragon Tree (Sesbania formosa) NEW

Description: Sesbania formosa, commonly known as white sesbania, is a fast growing Australian native leguminous tree found naturally across northern Australia. It can develop into a sizeable tree and is particularly suited to warm tropical and subtropical conditions. Like other members of the legume family, it forms relationships with nitrogen fixing bacteria in its roots, helping improve soil fertility while producing substantial organic matter.

In a permaculture system, Sesbania formosa can be used as a nitrogen fixing pioneer, windbreak, shade tree and source of chop and drop mulch. Its rapid growth makes it useful for establishing structure in young food forests and revegetation areas. Pruned branches and foliage can be returned to the soil as mulch, adding organic matter and nutrients while protecting the soil surface. Its ability to establish quickly also makes it useful for improving poor or disturbed soils before introducing slower growing food producing trees.