Macroptilium atropurpurea This easily established annual will
provide a rapid ground cover. It is not persistent if frequently cut.
Relished by livestock, it must be managed carefully if it is used as
pasture. Do not overgraze. It is poorly suited to cutting because
of severe leaf loss. As a soil amendment, it is very good at
mobilizing all micronutrients, but especially Fe and Zn. It is a
good groundcover in orchards. Siratro may become weedy in
subsequent crops. Seed develops early and pods tend to shatter.
 Neotonia wightii An excellent pasture or hay crop. It is dif-
ficult to establish and grows slowly the first six months. It suffers
from competition from weeds and can't be oversown into
established pastures. Once established, however, it is persistent
even with frequent cutting or overgrazing. It stands well into the
dry period. Intercropping with grasses is possible but the legume
should be established first.
 Teramnus labialis This native legume is frequently spon-
taneous in cleared areas throughout the islands. It is very quick to
germinate, spreads rapidly, and makes an excellent intercrop
with grasses. It responds well to cutting and is frequently found
in lawns. It is an excellent groundcover, but does not mobilize
micronutrients as efficiently as other legumes tested. It is very
salt-tolerant. Native plants are dehiscent, making seed difficult
to harvest. Seed is available from CARDI in Antigua.
 Vigna luteola Another native legume which is frequently
spontaneous in pastures of the Virgin Islands. It has very vigorous
seedlings and grows rapidly. It is relished by animals, but our
analysis shows it lower in protein and Ca than others tested. Ger-
mination is uneven. It will not stand overgrazing. Seed is difficult
to collect and is not readily available in this hemisphere.


Discussion
 Legumes do have a place in most farming systems of the Virgin
Islands. Livestock producers especially need to increase their
utilization of legumes. Horticulturalists also can utilize them as
ground covers and windbreaks and as a source of organic matter
and green manure. Choosing the correct legume is site and situa-
tion specific. Besides the above species, I am listing 20 other


species which are native or naturalized in the Virgin Islands. Fre-
quently, introductions of new material are unnecessary, but we
need only to recognize and encourage what already exists:
 Herbaceous
 Alysicarpus vaginalis
 Desmodium trflorum
 Macroptilium lathyroides
 Stylosanthes hamata
 Tephrosiza cinerea

 Herbaceous vine
 Centrosema virginianum
 Clitoria ternatea
 Galactia dubia
 Galactia striata
 Lablab purpureus
 Rhynchosia minima
 Rhynchosia reticulata

 Shrubs
 Aeschynomene americana
 Cajanus cajans
 Desmanthus virgatus
 Sesbania sencea

 Trees
 Albizia lebbeck
 Bauhinia monandra
 Gliricidia sepium
 Tamarindus indica


References
 1. Woodbury, R.O., and P.L. Weaver. 1984 (une).The vegetation of St.John
and Hassel Island, U.S.V.I. A report to the National Park U.S.V.I.
 2. Oakes, A.J., andJ.O. Butcher. 1984 (June). Poisonous and injurious plants
of the U.S.V.I. C.V.I.-C.E.S.: Reprint Series #1, U.S.V.I.


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