ABSTRACT
The exact origin of Sesbania grandiflora is not known (India or Indonesia has been suggested) but it is considered native to many Southeast Asian countries. Agathi, more commonly known as hummingbird tree or august tree, is a fast-growing tree that grows primarily in hot and humid tropical areas of the world. Agathi leaves provide a good amount of protein, fat, fibre, ash, calcium, phosphorous, iron, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid. All parts of the august tree are utilized for medicinal purposes in Southeastern Asia and India, including preparations derived from the roots, bark, gum, leaves, flowers and fruits. Agathi is a fast-growing perennial, deciduous, or evergreen legume tree up to 15 m tall and 30 cm in diameter. Agathi is well adapted to hot and humid environments but it does not grow well in the subtropics, particularly in areas with cool season minimum temperature below 10°C.
