Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Merr.
Bibliography: Philipp. J. Sci., C 7: 234 (1912)
Year: 1912
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Sesbania
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen., Indian Subcontinent
Description
Egyptian sesban, scientifically known as Sesbania sesban, manifests its grace across various landscapes as a versatile and resilient plant species. This remarkable member of the Fabaceae family has garnered attention for its extensive presence spanning across Tropical and Southern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Indian Subcontinent.
The historical significance of Sesbania sesban dates back to its first documentation in the early 20th century, precisely in 1912, as cited in the Philippine Journal of Science. The species was classified by the botanical authority Merr., with the notable descriptor “L.” paying homage to the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, who laid the foundational work upon which Merr. built this classification.
In its natural habitats, Egyptian sesban thrives, adapted to a diverse range of climatic conditions from humid tropics to arid regions. This adaptability makes it an invaluable plant for ecological and agricultural use. Its ability to grow in poor soils often enriches them, thanks to its nitrogen-fixing properties characteristic of many legumes in the Fabaceae family.
Local communities have harnessed the multifaceted benefits of Egyptian sesban. Traditionally, it serves as an important cover crop and green manure, enhancing soil fertility for subsequent crops. Furthermore, its biomass is frequently utilized as fodder for livestock, ensuring a reliable source of nourishment in areas where other resources might be scarce.
Ecologically, Sesbania sesban plays a critical role in preventing soil erosion, thereby contributing to land rehabilitation projects. Its quick growth and dense foliage offer substantial ground cover which is essential in regions prone to soil degradation.
In summary, Egyptian sesban (Sesbania sesban) is not merely a plant but a cornerstone for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation in its widespread indigenous regions. Its endurance, versatility, and numerous benefits underscore the importance of preserving and understanding this botanical marvel for future generations.
Common Names
Eng: egyptian riverhemp, egyptian sesban, sesban
Heb: sesbania mitzrit, ססבניה מצרית
Ara: saisaban
Fra: sesbanie du burundi
En: Egyptian sesban, Sesban, Egyptian riverhemp, Egyptian River-Hemp, Common Sesban, Egyptian Rattle Pod, Tropical Rattle-bush
Ar: Saisaban, سيسبان (سِيْسبان، سيسْبان), سيسبان سيسباني
Bn: জয়ন্তী গাছ
My: ရေသကျည်း
Zh: 印度田菁
Fi: Egyptinkolibrinpapu
Fr: Sesbanie du Burundi
He: Sesbania mitzrit, ססבניה מצרית
Id: Jayanti
Jv: Janti
Kn: ಜೀನಂಗಿ
Km: ស្នោ
Ki: Mwethia
Rw: Umunyegenyege
Ko: 세스반
Fa: لوبیای درختی
Su: Jayanti
Zh-tw: 印度田菁
Ta: சித்தகத்தி
Zh-hant: 印度田菁
Vi: Điên điển
Synonyms
- Sesbania aegyptiaca (Poir.)
- Coronilla sesban ((L.) Moench)
- Emerus sesban ((L.) Hornem.)
- Aeschynomene sesban (L.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Assam (native)
- Bangladesh (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- India (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Oman (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil West-Central (introduced)
- Cambodia (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- China Southeast (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Egypt (introduced)
- Hainan (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Iraq (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Madagascar (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- Nicobar Is. (introduced)
- Palestine (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Rodrigues (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Sinai (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Suriname (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 7, 2020 by Luluk Williams (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2022 by Brigitte Rigaud (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by pierre vernet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by Noor Alqaraghuli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by tompios Iti (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Mar 15, 2020 by zablon zablonlister (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 11, 2021 by Andrew Stanley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 25, 2019 by Mohammad Riyaz Pasha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by pierre vernet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by tompios Iti (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 10, 2022 by pierre vernet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 29, 2022 by prasadnayak2002 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Cynthia Brinkley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2022 by Ankit Pathak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 26, 2021 by pierre vernet (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 29, 2022 by prasadnayak2002 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Cynthia Brinkley (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:518533-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2970648)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree