Centro

Centrosema pubescens

Centrosema pubescens, commonly known as centro, butterfly pea, or centro de vaca, is a tropical leguminous plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to Central and South America, it is widely cultivated in various tropical regions for its forage and soil-improving properties. Here's an informative description of Centrosema pubescens:

1. Morphology:

  • Growth Form: Centro is a trailing or climbing perennial herb with slender stems that can reach lengths of several meters.
  • Leaves: The leaves are compound with three leaflets, each ovate to elliptical in shape, and have a characteristic pubescence (fine hairs) on the surface.
  • Flowers: The showy flowers are typically blue to violet in color, resembling butterfly wings. They are arranged in clusters at the tips of the stems.

2. Ecological Role:

  • Nitrogen Fixation: Like many legumes, centro forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, contributing to soil fertility.
  • Soil Erosion Control: The plant's trailing or climbing growth habit makes it useful for covering and protecting the soil, reducing erosion.

3. Agricultural Uses:

  • Forage Crop: Centro is primarily grown as a forage crop for livestock. It is rich in protein and is known for its palatability to animals.
  • Cover Crop: Due to its ability to fix nitrogen and protect the soil, it is also used as a cover crop in agroforestry systems and for soil improvement.

4. Growing Conditions:

  • Climate: Centro thrives in tropical climates with warm temperatures and adequate rainfall.
  • Soil: It prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types.

5. Identification Tips:

  • Leaf Characteristics: The pubescent leaves with three leaflets are a distinctive feature.
  • Flower Appearance: The showy butterfly-like flowers, typically blue to violet in color, are arranged in clusters.

6. Propagation:

  • Seed Propagation: Centro is propagated mainly through seeds, which are contained in pods that develop after flowering.

7. Benefits in Agroecosystems:

  • Green Manure: When incorporated into the soil, centro adds organic matter and enhances soil structure.
  • Crop Rotation: Its cultivation in crop rotation systems can contribute to sustainable agriculture by improving soil fertility.

8. Browsing Concerns:

  • Potential Pest: In some cases, centro may be browsed by certain pests or insects, impacting its growth and forage quality.