Parkia biglobosa: A potential multipurpose fodder tree legume in West Africa

Abstract

Parkia is a pantropical genus of about 30-40 tree legume species of considerable evolutionary, taxonomic, biological and economic improtance in Africa, Asia and South America. It has several uses, including fodder, food, medicine, green manure, fuel and timber. This paper reviews the scattered literature, emphasizing those areas relevant to fodder production that require urgent research. Only limited quantitative agronomic data exist on bioglobosa and on other species with potential for development