From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tagasaste (chamaecytisus palmensis), or Tree Lucerne, is a small spreading evergreen tree that grows 3-4m high.

Tagasaste is indigenous to the dry volcanic slopes of the Canary Islands^[1], but it is now grown in Australia, New Zealand and many other parts of the world.

Tagasaste is a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family^[2].

It has rough yellow-grey bark and velvety hairy young growth. Its leaves are composed of 3 greyish green equal sized leaflets, which are slightly paler on the underside. Its scented, creamy white flowers form in small clusters in the leaf axils. Its flat pea-like pods are green, ripening to black. The seeds are tiny (45,000/kg)^[1], shiny and black.

Tagasaste is suited to sandy well drained soils of pH range 5-7. It is very susceptible to root rot fungus on poorly drained soils^[2]. It will tolerate winter temperatures as low as -9°C^[1].

As a fodder crop Tagasaste delivers between 23-27% crude protein and 18-24% crude indigestible fibre. With proper application of fertiliser it can maintain these levels even when grown on poor soils^[3].

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c} Tagasaste, Chamaecytisus palmensis. The Nitrogen Fixing Tree Association. Retrieved on [[2006-09-26]].
2. ^ ^{a b} R.C. Gutteridge (1998). Other Species of Multipurpose Forage Tree Legumes. Forage Tree Legumes in Tropical Agriculture. Department of Agriculture, University of Queensland. Retrieved on [[2006-09-26]].
3. ^ "Fodder shrubs for goats - Tagasaste". Boer Briefs (13).