Distribution Native to Africa, common in India and introduced to Australia. Good growth in early spring, better than buffer and Rhodes, continuing through summer and autumn. Leaf production dwindles with the onset of flowering in early summer. It does best on deep scrub loams of high fertility, but performs well on basaltic uplands of prairie and black soils and sandy loams of reasonable fertility. Tolerates soil pH from 5.0-8.0.
Deep sands are unsuitable.
Ability to spread naturally If allowed to seed it will gradually extend its population by new seedlings, especially on the edge of scrubs and near watercourses. Land preparation for establishment A fine seed-bed or ashes needed. Sowing methods Either drill into a prepared seed-bed or broadcast in ashes from land or air. Sowing depth and cover Sow no deeper than 1 cm and cover lightly. Two plantings, one in spring and one in midsummer, may give a more reliable farm sequence.