Nitrogen Fixing Trees | Katuray | Health Benefits | Diabetes Management | Herbal Tea
Common Names: Katuray (Tagalog), Turi (Visayan), Vegetable Hummingbird
Family: Fabaceae
Type: Fast-growing small tree or shrub
Lifespan: 2–5 years (short-lived perennial)
Key Benefits
- Nitrogen-fixing – improves soil fertility
- Edible flowers & leaves – used in Filipino and Southeast Asian cuisine
- Forage – palatable to livestock
- Medicinal – used for digestive, respiratory, and inflammatory conditions
- Windbreak or fence line – supports other crops like agarwood, banana, or chili
Ideal Growing Conditions
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Climate | Tropical, warm, humid |
| Elevation | 0–1,200 meters above sea level |
| Soil | Well-drained loam or sandy soil |
| Sunlight | Full sun (6–8 hrs/day) |
| Water | Moderate moisture; tolerates short droughts |
Propagation
- By Seeds (most common method)
- Scarify seeds (lightly nick or soak in warm water for 12–24 hours).
- Sow in nursery bags or directly in field.
- Germinates in 3–7 days.
- Transplant when seedlings are 30–40 cm tall (~3–4 weeks).
Planting Guidelines
- Spacing: 1–2 meters apart (for hedgerows), 3–4 meters (for trees)
- Planting season: Start of rainy season (May–July)
- Hole size: 30x30x30 cm; mix with compost or aged manure
- Watering: Daily for first 1–2 weeks, then reduce as roots establish
Maintenance
| Activity | Frequency & Notes |
|---|---|
| Weeding | Every 2 months or as needed |
| Pruning | Regular cutting encourages bushy growth and leaf production |
| Fertilization | Apply compost or organic fertilizer every 3 months if needed |
| Pest/Disease | Generally resistant; watch for aphids or caterpillars |
Harvest & Use
- Flowers: Harvest when half to fully bloomed. Used in salads, soups, or sautéed.
- Leaves: Young leaves used in teas or cooked dishes.
- Green manure: Chop branches and spread around crops as mulch.
Precautions
- Leaves and flowers contain saponins—should be cooked before eating to remove bitterness.
- Avoid excessive consumption if pregnant or nursing.