Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium)

Gliricidia sepium is a fast-growing small tree from Central America that Indian farmers plant as a living fence, a green manure and a shade tree. Its pink flowers bloom on bare branches in the dry season. Its leaves fix nitrogen in the soil and are lopped as fodder in moderation. Its name means “mouse killer”, from its old use as a rodent poison.

Botanical name: Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth
Family: Fabaceae
Tamil: Seemai agathi
Hindi: Gliricidia
Parts used: Leaf (fodder, not a kitchen claim)
Habit: Living-fence pea; agathi is Sesbania
Last updated: 2026-10-25

How to recognise Gliricidia

It is a small tree with pinnate leaves of seven to seventeen oval leaflets, often bare in the dry season.

Clusters of pale pink to lilac pea-flowers cover the leafless branches.

The pods are flat, brown and explosive when dry.

Agathi, Sesbania grandiflora, has large white or red curved flowers and is eaten as a vegetable. Gliricidia is not a kitchen plant.

Traditional use of Gliricidia

Farming

Cut stakes root easily, so farmers plant them as living fence posts. The loppings are dug into paddy fields as green leaf manure, especially in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

South Indian farm practice

Shade

In Central America it is called madre de cacao because it shades cacao and coffee plantations.

Central American practice

Modern notes on Gliricidia

As a nitrogen-fixing legume it improves soil fertility, and agroforestry research supports its use as green manure and in alley cropping.

Leaves can be fed to cattle and goats as part of a mixed diet, but high amounts can be toxic to some animals, especially horses.

Gliricidia safety

Do not eat the leaves or seeds. Leaves and seeds have been used to poison rodents.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to Mexico and Central America and has been planted throughout the tropics.

It can spread from fences into nearby land, and it is considered invasive in parts of the Pacific and the Caribbean.

Its dry-season flowers attract bees, which is why beekeepers in some regions value it.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Gliricidia

Is Gliricidia agathi?

No. Agathi is Sesbania grandiflora, an edible tree.

Why is Gliricidia called mouse killer?

Its leaves and seeds were used as rodent poison.

Is Gliricidia good for soil?

Yes, as a green manure it adds nitrogen and organic matter.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.