Tagasaste

 We are trying to establish a Planation of Tagasaste , Chamaecytisus palmensis,  which is a  indigenous plant form the  Canary Islands.

Tagasaste is a shrub or small tree growing to a height and crown diameter of about 5 m, often with long drooping, leafy branches. Tagasaste, being an evergreen, can provide green feed at any time of the year. However, experience suggests that, because of its relatively slow growth rate and recovery after cutting during winter, its main role could be the provision of high quality fodder during summer and early autumn. Being a legume, tagasaste roots have nodules containing nitrogen-fixing rhizobium bacteria.  Written by – Agfact P2.1.7, first edition 1986 Paul Dann, Research Agronomist Division of Plant Industries, Canberra Barry Trimmer, Livestock Officer (Sheep and Wool) Division of Animal Production, Orange (Reviewed May 2003, Brendan George)

Tagasaste has many uses but we are mainly growing for Fodder.  The bees also love the flowers so this will be beneficial for our gardening.  It has been suggested by some that Tagasaste is a weed but it is the hardest weed I have ever tried to grow.  The first attempt at establishing this shrub ended with three out of three hundred surviving past a couple months.  After going back to more research I realised that many people have the same problem.  This time I have changed the soil preparation and a few other things with the hope that  I will have more success.

 

Another tree similar to the Tagasaste is the Leucaena Plant but this plant is not Fodder for horses and is actually poisonous to them.