Agasta/Agathi (Sesban,Hummingbird tree) — ดอกแค (Dok Kae) — Sesbania grandiflora
Agathi, scientifically known as Sesbania grandiflora, is a fast-growing tree in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is commonly known by various names, including Agathi, Agathi Keerai, Hummingbird Tree, or Sesban.
Agathi is a small to medium-sized tree with compound leaves and large, showy white or red flowers. The leaves are pinnate with numerous small leaflets.
The flowers are usually large and tubular, attracting pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. This has led to one of its common names, the Hummingbird Tree.
The leaves, flowers, and tender pods of Agathi are edible. In many cultures, the leaves are used as a green leafy vegetable, and the flowers are sometimes added to salads.
Agathi leaves are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
In traditional medicine, various parts of the Agathi tree are used for their purported medicinal properties. The leaves are believed to have laxative and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties.
The leaves can be cooked and consumed as a vegetable in various dishes, including soups and stir-fries.
The tree is also a valuable nitrogen fixer. It has the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. This makes it an important crop for improving soil fertility.
Sesbania grandiflora is a beautiful and useful tree that is well adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. It is a valuable resource for food, fodder, wood, and soil improvement.