Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring and place in a protected environment until germination occurs. Limb cuttings taken throughout the year.


Botanic information
Leaf: The dull green leaves are bipinnate to tripinnate with oval to oblong thin textured leaflets up to 25 mm (1 in) long.

Flower: The honey scented papillionate flowers have white reflexed sepals and petals that are covered in silvery hairs. The white stamens have orange anthers and are accompanied by an upright hood-like petal. They are arranged in a terminal panicle and appear from spring to autumn or throughout the year in tropical climates.

Fruit: The pendant cylindrical pod is constricted between the seeds and has a long stalk. The dark brown seed has 3-papery wings and are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively. When cooked the pods have an asparagus flavoured.


Note:
This tree has numerous uses including medicinal applications and all parts of the plants are edible. The leaves may be dried to make tea or are used as a flavouring herb. The fresh leaves are used in salads and contain proteins, calcium and are richer in vitamin C than oranges.

The pods contain sweet edible peas and the fruit is commonly known as drumsticks that may be eaten raw or boiled in curries. It is cultivated commercially in India as a source of wood for the paper industry and the oil (Ben Oil) that is obtained from the seeds is used in the perfume industry, or as a lubricant.

Due to its fast grows and ready availability it is being considered by numerous bodies as a bio-fuel. It is also regarded as a weed in many regions of the world as it can grow quickly under a variety of conditions.