Flemingia strobilifera (L.)W.T.Aiton

Code

FLEST

Growth form

Shrub

Biological cycle

Perennial

Habitat

Terrestrial

 Global description

Flemingia strobilifera is a very branched shrub with a height of 2 m. Presence on the stem of lanceolate stipules 0.3-0.4 cm long. Leaves simple, alternate. The petioles are 1 to 2 cm long. Blade ovate to obovate, pointed at the apex and truncate at the base 9 to 15 cm long and 4 to 9 cm wide. Green upper side, subglabrous, lower gray-green underside, pubescent. The axillary cluster inflorescence measures about 15 cm in length, the flowers surrounded by a papyraceous bract becoming light brown on drying, are grouped by 1 or 2 at each node and are 1 to 2 cm long and 0.8 to 1.2 cm wide. The calyx is 0.4 to 0.5 cm long. The petals are cream to light yellow, passing through pink and purple. The fruits are elongated pods 0.5 to 1.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. These dehiscent pods give off at maturity 1 to 2 ovoid seeds, 0.3 cm long, black-brown in color, marbled with red.

Flemingia strobilifera is a perennial species that spreads only by its seeds. Although there are only one or two seeds per pod, an inflorescence can produce up to 30 flowers, so seed production is very important (up to 100 million seeds per ha), which explains why the invasive potential of the species is so important.

Comoros: Flemingia strobilifera is present along the roadside and in mixed plots of banana and clove.
New Caledonia: It is now found everywhere on the Grande Terre at low and medium altitude in dense and isolated stands.
Reunion: Present in low and medium altitude brush, especially in the region of Saint Benoit.

Origin

Flemingia strobilifera is native to Asia.

Worldwide distribution

This species has been introduced and naturalized in many tropical countries (Central America, Greater Antilles, South America, Mascareignes). It must be introduced to the Comoros for the needs of soil restoration.

Global harmfulness

Flemingia strobilifera is one of 300 major invasive species of tropical Australia, the Indian Ocean and Oceania, including New Caledonia. The species is considered by the PIER as one of the future major invasive alien plants of the Pacific Islands.

Local harmfulness

Comoros: Flemingia strobilifera is recorded in Grande Comore and very abundantly in Anjouan island.
New Caledonia: This species has been reported in New Caledonia since the beginning of the 19th century. It now appears to be expanding and rapidly growing in thickets in degraded pastures, fallows and vacant lots, constituting new sources of propagation. It is also frequently seen along roads, that favours long-distance dissemination.

Local control

New Caledonia: Flemingia strobilifera is still uncommon in pastures, and must be carefully monitored because of the risk it represents on the territory. It is absolutely necessary to limit its fructification to avoid the constitution of a seed bank which would make it difficult to control. Care should be taken to eliminate young individuals isolated by slashing. Larger stands can be gyrogrinded. New shoots must be sprayed with a targeted herbicide (triclopyr active ingredient). On older individuals, it is necessary to make a brush application of picloram + 2,4-D on stump freshly cut at ground level.

Herbarium pictures ReCOLNAT: https://explore.recolnat.org/search/botanique/simplequery=Flemingia%2520strobilifera