Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth. FABACEAE red sesbania, coffee weed, rattlepod, purple sesbane, false poinciana, rattlebox, Brazilian glory pea Highly Invasive, Major problem species Origin: South America (Southern Brazil, Uruguay and North Eastern Argentina) Growth Form: Tree/shrub Plant Description: Plant: Deciduous shrub or small tree up to 4 m high with many slender branches. Leaves: Dark green, drooping, 100–200 mm long, pinnate; leaflets oblong, ending in tiny, pointed tips. Flowers: Red or orange (A), ± 20 mm long, showy, in dense sprays up to 250 mm long that droop or project outwards, September–March. Fruit: Characteristic brown pods, longitudinally four-winged, oblong, 60–80 mm long x 10 mm wide, tip sharply pointed, containing 4–10 seeds separated by cross-partitions. Key Features: Control: slashing induces vigorous regrowth, sprayed or physically removed, after spring flush Comments: More information: Weeds & Invasive Plants Home Page NRCS Plants Database Photo - flowers Larry Allain @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database Photo - flowers/leaves K Braun, Swaziland's Alien Plants Database

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