Tagasaste

Tagasaste, also known as tree lucerne, is a small spreading evergreen shrub or tree reaching up to 5 m, native to the volcanic slopes of the Canary Islands. It produces greyish-green foliage and fragrant white pea-flowers, and is prized as a high-protein animal fodder (20–24% crude protein), windbreak, and bee forage plant. It tolerates cold down to -9 °C once established, but demands free-draining, preferably sandy soils and dislikes waterlogging. Suited to Mediterranean-type climates; not recommended for subtropical or tropical zones.

Growing

Pre-treat seeds by submerging in hot (not boiling) water and soaking for 24 hours until they swell. Coat swollen, moistened seeds with a legume inoculant, then sow 2 cm deep into free-draining potting mix in individual tree tubes — tagasaste develops a deep taproot early, and root disturbance at transplanting stunts establishment. Germination is best when soil temperature sits between 20 and 24 °C. Transplant to final position when seedlings reach 8–10 cm tall. Space plants 2–4 m (300 cm minimum) apart in full sun. Avoid clay or waterlogged ground; target a soil pH of 5.5–6.5.

Care

Water regularly during the first growing season to help the taproot establish; once established the plant is highly drought-tolerant and requires very little irrigation. Apply no high-nitrogen fertiliser — as a legume it fixes its own nitrogen with the correct inoculant. Protect young transplants from all grazing animals until well established (stems must be woody). No staking is needed once the taproot anchors the plant. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy habit and encourage fresh, palatable regrowth for fodder.

Harvest

Begin harvesting leaf and stem material for fodder once the plant is well established and woody — typically after the second full growing season. Cut or strip leafy branches, leaving a framework of older wood so the plant regrows vigorously. Harvest when flower buds are present for highest protein content. Flowers can be gathered as a bee-forage or ornamental cut. Seeds are ready when pods turn brown and feel dry; collect pods before they split to shatter-cast seeds.

In the kitchen

Tagasaste is grown primarily as an animal fodder and agroforestry tree rather than a human food crop. The leaves and young stems are fed to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The fragrant white flowers attract bees and are a significant nectar source; honey produced from tagasaste blossom is mild and lightly floral. Do not consume large quantities of foliage as human food — the plant is not a culinary herb.

Storing

Freshly cut branches fed directly to animals need no storage. For dried fodder, bundle harvested stems loosely and dry in a well-ventilated, sheltered area until fully dry, then store in a dry shed away from moisture. Dried foliage retains acceptable protein levels for several months. Collected seeds should be air-dried thoroughly, then stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark location; viability remains high for 2–3 years with correct storage.