Premium agathi tree seeds sourced from Pakistan, lab-tested for 80%+ germination. Ideal for livestock fodder, human consumption, traditional medicine, and agroforestry. Exported worldwide by Kohenoor International since 1957.
Sesbania grandiflora, commonly known as agathi, vegetable hummingbird, or West Indian pea, is one of the most versatile leguminous trees cultivated across tropical regions. Unlike many single-purpose seed crops, agathi serves as a genuine dual-use variety: its leaves and flowers are consumed as nutritious vegetables by millions of people across Southeast Asia and South India, while the entire plant provides high-protein fodder for cattle, goats, and poultry.
At Kohenoor International, we supply carefully processed sesbania grandiflora seeds with verified germination and purity specifications. Our agathi seeds are cleaned, graded, and tested at our Lahore facility before export, ensuring that growers, agricultural agencies, and research institutions receive seed stock they can depend on. Whether you are establishing an agroforestry plantation in the Philippines, setting up a fodder bank in India, or trialling edible tree crops in the Middle East, our seeds are bred to perform. To understand how agathi compares with other sesbania varieties, see our sesbania species comparison guide.
Beyond food and fodder, sesbania grandiflora has a long history in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and flowers are used to treat headaches, respiratory infections, and inflammation. The tree also fixes atmospheric nitrogen, enriching soil fertility and making it a valuable companion in agroforestry and intercropping systems. For a broader introduction to this remarkable plant family, read our article on what is sesbania.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Sesbania grandiflora |
| Common Names | Agathi, Agati, Vegetable Hummingbird, West Indian Pea, Katurai |
| Germination Rate | 80%+ (lab tested) |
| Physical Purity | 97%+ |
| Moisture Content | < 10% |
| Seeds per Kilogram | ~15,000 |
| Seed Colour | Dark brown to olive green |
| Origin | Pakistan |
| Testing Standard | ISTA compliant |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | Provided with every shipment |
One of the strongest arguments for cultivating sesbania grandiflora is its outstanding nutritional value, both for human diets and animal feed programmes.
Agathi leaves contain 25-30% crude protein on a dry weight basis, placing them among the most protein-dense tree leaves available for fodder. They are also rich in:
The large, showy flowers of sesbania grandiflora, available in white and red varieties, are a traditional vegetable across Southeast Asia. They provide meaningful amounts of protein, calcium, and iron. Flowers are typically eaten raw in salads, battered and fried, or added to curries and soups. They have a mildly sweet, mushroom-like flavour that pairs well with spicy preparations.
Agathi is one of the fastest-growing trees on the planet. Under tropical conditions, it can reach 3-5 metres in the first year and a mature height of 8-15 metres. This rapid establishment makes it ideal for quick canopy cover, windbreaks, and erosion control.
As a legume, sesbania grandiflora forms symbiotic relationships with rhizobia bacteria, fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. This reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and improves soil health in intercropping and agroforestry systems.
Few trees offer as many outputs: edible leaves and flowers for human consumption, high-protein fodder for livestock, green manure, timber, firewood, fibre, and shade. This versatility makes agathi a cornerstone species in smallholder farming.
In Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems across Asia, agathi bark is used to treat fevers, leaves address headaches and inflammation, and flower extracts are applied for respiratory conditions. Modern research has identified antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds in the plant.
Successful sesbania grandiflora cultivation depends on choosing the right environment and following straightforward planting practices.
Agathi is suited to tropical and subtropical zones (USDA zones 10-12). Optimal growth occurs at temperatures between 25-35 degrees Celsius with annual rainfall of 1,000-4,000 mm. The tree does not tolerate frost or prolonged waterlogging, though it can withstand seasonal flooding for short periods.
Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils with a pH of 5.5-8.0 are ideal. Sesbania grandiflora is moderately tolerant of saline and alkaline soils, which makes it a useful species for marginal lands in coastal regions.
Agathi requires minimal inputs once established. Regular pruning encourages lateral branching and increases leaf production for fodder. Trees can be cut back to 1-1.5 metres every 2-3 months for continuous leaf harvest. For proper handling of your seed investment, see our guide on sesbania seed storage best practices.
Livestock fodder: Agathi leaves are fed fresh or dried to cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and fish. The high protein content (25-30%) makes it a cost-effective supplement, particularly in regions where commercial feed concentrates are expensive or unavailable.
Human consumption: Across the Philippines (where it is called katurai), Indonesia, Thailand, and South India, sesbania grandiflora flowers and young leaves are staple vegetables. They are prepared as salads, stir-fries, curries, and soups.
Agroforestry and soil improvement: Planted as a shade tree in coffee, cocoa, and vanilla plantations, agathi fixes nitrogen, contributes leaf litter, and provides a secondary income stream through flower and leaf harvest.
Traditional medicine: Used extensively in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and folk medicine traditions. The bark treats fevers and diarrhoea; leaf juice is applied for nasal congestion; flower preparations address respiratory ailments.
Kohenoor International supplies sesbania grandiflora seeds to buyers across four major regional markets:
Our export team handles documentation, phytosanitary certification, and logistics for shipments to all major ports worldwide.
| Packaging Options | 25 kg and 50 kg polypropylene bags (custom packaging available) |
|---|---|
| Labelling | Botanical name, lot number, germination rate, purity, test date, net weight |
| Certification | Phytosanitary certificate issued by the Department of Plant Protection, Pakistan |
| Testing | ISTA-compliant seed testing report included |
| Shipping | FOB Karachi / CIF to destination port (sea freight or air freight) |
| Lead Time | 7-14 business days from order confirmation |
Our sesbania grandiflora (agathi) seeds consistently achieve a germination rate of 80% or higher. Each batch undergoes laboratory testing at our Lahore facility before export. We recommend scarification or soaking seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting to improve germination uniformity.
Sesbania grandiflora thrives in tropical and subtropical zones (USDA zones 10-12) with temperatures between 25-35 degrees Celsius. It does not tolerate frost. In temperate regions, it can be grown as an annual or in controlled greenhouse environments, though it will not reach its full height potential of 8-15 metres.
Our minimum order quantity is 25 kg, available in 25 kg or 50 kg polypropylene bags. For larger consignments, we offer custom packaging and competitive pricing for container loads. All shipments include phytosanitary certification and comply with ISTA standards.
Yes, sesbania grandiflora flowers are widely consumed across Southeast Asia and South India. The white and red varieties are eaten raw in salads, stir-fried, or used in curries and soups. They are a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. The flowers have been a traditional food item in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and southern India for centuries.
Sesbania grandiflora is remarkably fast-growing. Under ideal tropical conditions with adequate moisture and sunlight, trees can begin flowering within 8-12 months of planting from seed. The tree can grow 3-5 metres in the first year alone, making it one of the fastest-growing leguminous trees available for agroforestry.
Bulk quantities available. Phytosanitary certified. Shipped worldwide from Lahore, Pakistan.
WhatsApp: +92-321-6340316
Email: usman@kohenoorint.com