Flemingia macrophylla aka Flemingia
Taxonomy ID: 19967
Flemingia macrophylla is a deciduous shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. Names include longleaf wurrus, false saffron, and Enoki-mame. Its native range spans southern China and the Indian subcontinent. It also extends through mainland Southeast Asia to Malaysia and Indonesia. It grows beside streams in forests that have regrown after disturbance. It also lives in drier fields. People grow it beyond its native range for farm uses.
Plants reach about 10 feet (3 metres) tall and wide. The reported height range is 3–13 feet (1–4 metres). A deep taproot supports a clump of spreading or upright stems. Soft hairs cover the ridged stems. Leaves range from oval to sword-shaped. The flowers grow in tight clusters. Bees and other insects pollinate them. The fruit takes the form of an oblong pod. Ripe pods split open and show black seeds.
This shrub suits warm, moist tropical sites. It prefers full sun but accepts light shade. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, including poor soils. Moist or wet soil suits it best. It can also cope with poor drainage and waterlogged ground. Once settled, plants can endure dry spells lasting four months. Its preferred soil pH is 5–7, though it tolerates 4–8. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Growth is moderate, and root bacteria help it fix nitrogen.
Farmers plant it in hedges, on terraces, and between crop rows. Its roots help hold soil and limit erosion. It gives young plantation crops shade and shelter from wind. Cut leaves make mulch that breaks down slowly. This cover checks weeds, holds moisture, and keeps soil cooler. Other uses include green manure, fodder, fuel, and plant supports. The shrub also supplies waras dye, with purple or orange-brown shades. It can escape gardens and farms. Reports describe it as invasive in several Pacific island groups. These include the Cook Islands, Solomon Islands, and Tonga.
Reported food uses include leaves, pods, and seeds. The seeds serve as a flavouring. PFAF gives its food value a low rating. Traditional uses of leaves include treating fever and joint pain. People also use leaf preparations to wash sores and swellings. These records describe traditional practice, not proof that treatments work. Both plant references list no known hazards. That does not establish safety for every use or for pets. The supplied sources give no specific pest or disease problems.
Common names
FlemingiaMore information about Flemingia
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