Tagasaste (tree lucerne)
Summary
This legume, belonging to the family Fabaceae, has been variously called tree lucerne, false tree lucerne and lucerne tree in Australia. Tagasaste is a shrub or small tree growing to a height and crown diameter of about 5 m, often with long, drooping, leafy branches. Variations occur, including upright and prostrate types.
In Australia it has been planted around homesteads for windbreak and decorative purposes and shade in fowlyards, and it is used for fodder. Tagasaste, being an evergreen, can provide green feed at any time of the year. However, experience suggests that, because of its relatively slow growth rate and recovery after cutting during winter, its main role could be the provision of high quality fodder during summer and early autumn.
This Agfact includes information on:
- history of tagasaste in Australia
- adaptability - climate and soil
- uses
- establishment
- care and maintenance
- use and management
- pests and diseases
- seed harvesting
