Centrosema pubescens (CP)
PLANT CHARACTER Robust, creeping perennial legume with good shade tolerance. Produces persistent ground cover even under established plantation canopies. Deep-rooting system con...
Note on our name: Kudzu Seeds Trading supplies managed tropical cover crop seed. Pueraria javanica, one of our cover crops, is not the invasive kudzu vine (Pueraria montana) regulated in parts of the USA. Our seed is tested to ISTA and AOSA methods. See the difference.
Available to qualified buyers & distributors. Contact us for pricing, MOQ, and availability.
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About this product
PLANT CHARACTER
Robust, creeping perennial legume with good shade tolerance. Produces persistent ground cover even under established plantation canopies. Deep-rooting system contributes to subsoil nutrition and aggregate stability.
USES
Nitrogen fixation under shade, erosion control, soil cover in cacao and agroforestry systems, and establishment for replanting and slope protection. Centrosema pubescens sustains biological nitrogen fixation at 120-270 kg N/ha/year even under canopy shade up to 80%, making it a strong choice where other cover crops struggle beneath closed cacao or rubber canopies. Tissue nitrogen remains stable at 2.4-2.7%, maintaining continuous fertility contribution through leaf turnover. See how CP performs against other species in our five-species cover crop comparison.
GROWTH HABIT
Achieves dense ground cover within 4-8 months under adequate rainfall. Requires good conditions during establishment but produces persistent, self-maintaining cover once rooted. Suitable for slope gradients where erosion risk is high.
PLANTING TYPE & SEEDING RATE
Pure stand: 3-4.5 kg/ha; in a legume mixture: ~2 kg/ha
PLANTING METHOD
Direct sowing, broadcast or rows
DRY MATTER PRODUCTION
5-9 t/ha/year
NO. OF SEEDS/KG
~65,000 seeds
By the numbers
Species performance data from agronomic field observation and institutional references across SE Asian plantation systems.
Centrosema pubescens is a strong cover crop option where other species struggle under established canopies. Performance data sourced from institutional and peer-reviewed references.
SUPPLIER
Supplied by Kudzu Seeds Trading, the Philippines-based sister company of Chemiseed Sdn. Bhd. All seeds are tested for germination before shipment and exported with phytosanitary certification (ISPM 7 compliant, Philippine NPPO / Bureau of Plant Industry).
GLOBAL AVAILABILITY
Available for export to tropical regions worldwide, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Contact us for bulk pricing and export documentation.
Related Resources
- Compare All Five Cover Crop Species
- Best Cover Crop for Oil Palm Plantations
- Best Cover Crop for Rubber Plantations
- Cover Crops 101: A Guide for Tropical Plantations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Plan with our free calculators
Estimate the nitrogen this cover crop can contribute with the Nitrogen Fixation Calculator, or model erosion control with the Soil Erosion Calculator. Browse all our plantation tools.
- Germination Rate: ≥ 85% (ISTA certified)
- Seed Purity: ≥ 98%
- Moisture Content: ≤ 12%
- Origin: Philippines / Malaysia
- Packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg bags available
- Shelf Life: 12 months from manufacture date
- DTI Registered, Department of Trade & Industry, Philippines
- ISTA Member, International Seed Testing Association
- AOSA Compliant, Association of Official Seed Analysts
- Phytosanitary Certified, compliant for international export
- All orders require a quote request, no direct online checkout.
- Minimum order quantities apply for international shipments.
- We ship to Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian markets.
- Lead time: Depending on current stock. Contact us for availability.
- Payment terms discussed upon quote approval.
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Performance Data
By The Numbers
Data based on testing to ISTA and AOSA methods, MPOB and DA Philippines field references, and peer-reviewed tropical agriculture research.
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Where this fits
A persistent, deeper-rooting legume for durable cover and steady nitrogen building.
Well suited for
- Persistent, longer-term ground cover
- Legume mixtures alongside PJ and CM
- Partially shaded inter-rows
- Building soil nitrogen over successive seasons
Less suitable for
- Waterlogged or poorly drained soils
- Dry establishment without adequate moisture
- Deep, heavy shade
Not sure it fits your conditions? Send your crop, area, and site details and our team will advise on suitability before you order.
Documents available
Technical Data Sheet (TDS), Certificate of Analysis (COA) with germination data, and phytosanitary certification (ISPM 7 compliant) for export are available on request.
Limitations and site considerations
Field results depend on crop system, soil, rainfall, planting method, seed quality, storage, timing, and post-establishment management. Adjust recommendations to local conditions, and contact us before ordering if you are unsure about crop fit, application rate, or site suitability.
What to include in your inquiry
- Country and delivery location
- Main crop or plantation type
- Total area in hectares
- Estimated quantity and timeline
- Buyer type: plantation, distributor, government, or smallholder
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