Dhonche or Prickly sesban, Sesbania bispinosa

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Dhoincha or Prickly sesban (Sesbania bispinosa, family: Fabaceae) is an erect and fast growing annual shrub with flexible branches. The water friendly plant can get a height of 7 m, but can be seen more than 1 to 2 meters usually. 


Leaves are compound; leaflets 11-45 pairs, deep green, small, 3-4 cm long and 1-1.5 cm wide. 


Flowers are showy, spectacular, bright yellow, borne on 15 cm long inflorescence. Sepals 5, petals, 5. Petals are dotted with purplish marks. For this reason, they seem like orchids. It blooms in September-October.


Fruit is a pod, very long, 20-25 cm. Each pod contains numerous seeds. These are brown in color. Propagation of the plant is caused by seeds.


The plant is filled with medicinal properties. The plant is used to increase fertility of soil and destroy insects. The nodule in its roots help to keep nitrogen in the soil firmly. 


Its leaves and seeds are used to feed cattles. Organic fertilizers can be made from the leaves. Stem is used as firewood.

A dry Dhaincha field is standing in water with its ripe fruits.

Papers and toys can be made from its stem. It is often grown for decoration of garden and fence of cropland.


It is cultivated in  the low lands, usually in waterlogged condition in Bangladesh. The plant is found in Asia and North Africa.

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