Premium-quality Sesbania grandiflora (Agati) seeds producing the world's fastest-growing edible-flower tree. Prized across Southeast Asia for cuisine, traditional medicine, high-protein fodder, and pulpwood production.
Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers. is a fast-growing, soft-wooded leguminous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae, sub-family Papilionoideae. Among all sesbania species, S. grandiflora is distinguished by its remarkably large flowers — the largest in the entire legume family — and its extraordinary growth rate, which ranks among the fastest of any tree species globally. The tree was first described by Linnaeus as Robinia grandiflora and subsequently transferred to the genus Sesbania by Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1807.
Sesbania grandiflora is believed to have originated in the Malay Archipelago or western Oceania, from where it spread through human cultivation across tropical Asia, the Indian subcontinent, East Africa, and the Caribbean. It has been cultivated for centuries as a multipurpose tree in traditional agroforestry systems throughout its range.
The widespread cultivation of this species across diverse cultures has given rise to numerous local names:
Sesbania grandiflora is a small to medium-sized tree that grows rapidly to heights of 8 to 15 meters, with some exceptional specimens reaching 20 meters. It has a relatively short lifespan of 8 to 15 years, but its extraordinary growth rate — often exceeding 5 meters in the first year — makes it one of the most productive tree species on an annualized basis. The trunk is typically straight with a diameter of 15 to 30 cm at breast height, and the bark is light gray, corky, and deeply furrowed.
The leaves are pinnately compound with 20 to 60 leaflets arranged in pairs along a central rachis measuring 15 to 30 cm. Each leaflet is oblong, 2 to 4 cm long and 6 to 12 mm wide, with a rounded apex and entire margins. The leaflets fold together at night (nyctinasty), a common trait among leguminous trees.
The defining feature of S. grandiflora is its spectacularly large flowers, which are the largest among all Fabaceae species. Individual flowers measure 7 to 10 cm in length, with a broad, recurved standard petal and a curved keel. Flowers are borne in short axillary racemes of 2 to 4 blooms. Two color forms exist: white-flowered (var. alba) and red-flowered (var. coccinea or rubra). White flowers are far more common commercially and are preferred for culinary use.
The fruit is a long, narrow, pendulous pod measuring 30 to 60 cm in length and 6 to 9 mm in width, containing 15 to 50 seeds. Seeds are larger than those of other sesbania species, cylindrical, 5 to 7 mm long, with a smooth reddish-brown seed coat. The thousand-seed weight ranges from 35 to 45 grams, making them approximately twice the weight of S. sesban seeds.
Sesbania grandiflora holds a unique position as one of the few tree species whose flowers are consumed as a staple vegetable across multiple cuisines. In Thailand, dok khae (Agati flowers) are an essential ingredient in Thai soups, curries, and salads — particularly in the iconic gaeng som (sour curry) and yam dok khae (flower salad). The flowers are blanched and served alongside nam prik (chili paste dips) as a common side dish in Thai households.
In the Philippines, katuray flowers are dipped in batter and fried as fritters, or sauteed with shrimp, eggs, and tomatoes in a dish called ginisang katuray. Filipino cuisine also uses the young leaves and tender pods as vegetables. In Indonesia, turi flowers appear in pecel (peanut sauce salad), urap (coconut-based mixed vegetable salad), and are stir-fried with chili and shrimp paste. In Sri Lanka, the flowers and leaves are prepared as a mallung (chopped greens with coconut).
The flowers have a mild, slightly sweet flavor often compared to mushrooms or tender lettuce, with a crisp yet delicate texture. Both white and red varieties are edible, though white flowers are generally preferred for their milder taste and more attractive appearance in prepared dishes. The red variety has a slightly more astringent flavor but is valued for its medicinal properties in Ayurvedic and traditional Southeast Asian medicine.
The flowers and leaves of Sesbania grandiflora are remarkably nutritious, offering a combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals that makes them a valuable food source for rural communities.
| Nutrient | Flowers (per 100g fresh) | Leaves (per 100g fresh) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 27 kcal | 93 kcal |
| Protein | 1.6 g | 8.4 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 1.4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.8 g | 11.5 g |
| Fiber | 2.1 g | 3.2 g |
| Calcium | 50 mg | 1130 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 7.0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU | 9000 IU |
| Vitamin C | 169 mg | 220 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.21 mg | 0.21 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.09 mg | 0.09 mg |
The leaves are particularly notable for their extremely high calcium content (1130 mg per 100g) and beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor). On a dry matter basis, the leaves contain 25 to 30 percent crude protein, making them nutritionally comparable to alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and superior to many other tropical browse species. This protein-rich profile makes both leaves and flowers valuable for combating malnutrition in developing countries.
With 25 to 30 percent crude protein in leaves (dry weight), Sesbania grandiflora is an excellent fodder species for cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, and fish. The leaves are highly palatable with an in vitro digestibility of 60 to 72 percent. In India and Southeast Asia, farmers regularly harvest branches for cut-and-carry fodder systems, with a single tree producing 20 to 30 kg of leaf biomass per year under regular pruning.
Like all sesbania species, S. grandiflora forms root nodules with Rhizobium bacteria and fixes atmospheric nitrogen. It can fix 80 to 200 kg N per hectare per year. The rapid biomass production and nitrogen-rich foliage make it valuable for alley cropping and relay intercropping systems where pruned branches are incorporated as green manure. Its deep root system also recycles nutrients from lower soil profiles.
S. grandiflora is increasingly cultivated as a short-rotation pulpwood crop, particularly in India and Indonesia. The fast growth rate (20 to 40 tonnes biomass per hectare per year) and favorable fiber characteristics (fiber length 1.0-1.4 mm, low lignin 18-20%) make it ideal for producing writing and printing paper. Several paper mills in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh actively purchase grandiflora wood for pulping.
In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, all parts of Sesbania grandiflora are used therapeutically. The flowers are prescribed for headaches, congestion, and fever. The bark is used as an astringent, tonic, and for treating smallpox and other eruptive fevers. Leaf extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial properties in modern pharmacological studies, validating centuries of traditional use.
The rapid canopy development and attractive large flowers make S. grandiflora a popular shade tree for plantations (particularly coffee, cacao, and pepper), urban landscaping, and roadside planting in tropical countries. The red-flowered variety is especially valued as an ornamental, producing showy crimson blooms that attract hummingbirds, sunbirds, and other pollinators.
The large, nectar-rich flowers of Sesbania grandiflora are an important forage source for honeybees, particularly the Asian giant honeybee (Apis dorsata) and the Western honeybee (Apis mellifera). The copious nectar production and extended flowering season make it a valuable support species for apiculture in tropical regions, contributing to increased honey yields in nearby hives.
Southeast Asian countries represent the highest-value market for Sesbania grandiflora seeds, driven by the enduring culinary demand for Agati flowers. Thailand alone cultivates tens of thousands of hectares of grandiflora for flower production, with dok khae featured in markets from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. The Philippines and Indonesia maintain similar scale, with katuray and turi flowers deeply embedded in their food cultures. These markets demand high-germination seed to establish new plantings and replace aging trees in established orchards and backyard gardens.
India imports significant quantities of Sesbania grandiflora seeds for multiple end uses. In southern India (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh), grandiflora is cultivated for livestock fodder, paper pulp, and traditional medicine. The Agathi keerai (leaves) are consumed as a nutritious green vegetable, and the tree is integral to many smallholder agroforestry systems. Indian paper mills in Tamil Nadu represent a growing institutional buyer for grandiflora seeds to establish dedicated pulpwood plantations.
Growing awareness of Sesbania grandiflora's multiple uses is expanding demand from East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique), the Caribbean islands, and Pacific nations. International development organizations, including FAO and ICRAF, promote grandiflora for its contribution to nutrition security (edible flowers and leaves), soil improvement, and rapid biomass production. Kohenoor International has supplied grandiflora seeds to development projects in over 15 countries across these regions.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Pers. |
| Family | Fabaceae (sub-family Papilionoideae) |
| Common Names | Agati, vegetable hummingbird, West Indian pea tree |
| Germination Rate | 90% minimum (ISTA tested) |
| Purity | 98% minimum |
| Moisture Content | 9% maximum |
| Thousand Seed Weight | 35 to 45 grams |
| Seed Color | Reddish-brown |
| Origin | Pakistan (Punjab & Sindh provinces) |
| Packaging | 25 kg or 50 kg PP woven bags |
| Container Load | 18-20 MT per 20-foot container |
| Shelf Life | 12 to 18 months (cool, dry storage) |
| Certifications | Phytosanitary Certificate, ISTA Report, Certificate of Origin |
Sesbania grandiflora seeds command a premium over other sesbania varieties due to larger seed size, lower per-plant seed yields, and specialized market demand. Our transparent volume-based pricing is as follows:
| Order Volume | Price (FOB Karachi) |
|---|---|
| 1 to 5 MT | $700 to $800 per MT |
| 5 to 15 MT | $600 to $700 per MT |
| 15 MT and above | $550 to $600 per MT |
CIF pricing to Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Chennai, Mombasa, and other major destination ports is available upon request. All standard export documentation is included. Payment via LC or TT. Contact us at usman@kohenoorint.com for current season pricing and availability.
Sesbania grandiflora performs best in tropical lowland environments with mean annual temperatures of 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. It requires higher temperatures and moisture than S. sesban and is less tolerant of drought and frost. The species thrives at elevations below 1000 meters with annual rainfall of 1000 to 4000 mm, though it will tolerate dry seasons of 3 to 4 months if established. It grows on a range of soil types — sandy, loamy, and clay — with pH 5.5 to 8.0, but performs best on deep, well-drained soils.
Sesbania grandiflora seeds benefit from pre-sowing treatment to overcome hard seed coat dormancy. Soaking in warm water (60 to 70 degrees Celsius) for 5 minutes followed by 12 to 24 hours in ambient water improves germination significantly. For nursery-raised seedlings, sow seeds 1 to 2 cm deep in polybags or seedling trays filled with a well-drained potting mix. Seedlings emerge within 5 to 7 days and can be transplanted to the field when 30 to 50 cm tall (typically 6 to 8 weeks after sowing).
For commercial flower production, space trees at 3 x 3 meters (approximately 1100 trees per hectare) or 4 x 4 meters (625 trees per hectare). For fodder or pulpwood production, closer spacings of 1 x 1 meter or 2 x 2 meters maximize biomass yield. Regular pruning at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters promotes branching, increases flower production, and keeps the tree manageable for harvesting. The first flower harvest can be expected at 6 to 9 months after planting, with peak production in the second and third years.
When you source Sesbania grandiflora seeds from Kohenoor International, you benefit from over two decades of specialized seed export expertise from Pakistan. Our advantages include:
Kohenoor International exports the full range of commercially important sesbania species from Pakistan.
Premium green manure and agroforestry species. 93%+ germination, 100-300 kg N/ha fixation capacity.
India's #1 green manure crop for rice fields. Annual herb, galactomannan gum source, highest export volume.
Peer-reviewed studies, comparative species data, and agronomic trial results for all sesbania varieties.
Source premium Agati tree seeds with 90%+ germination for edible flower production, fodder, or pulpwood plantations. Worldwide shipping from Karachi.