Tree lucerne, also known as Tagasaste, is a short lived evergreen tree or shrub that is native to the Canary Islands (despite what I might say about it being an ozzie - that's fake news sorry!)
It is typically grown for its fast growth rate and as fodder for birds and animals. It grows to a height of about 2-4 meters and has small, dark green leaves.
It can tolerate dry conditions and is frost-hardy, making it well-suited to New Zealand's climate.
Providing food for birds is where it is an absolute star, tree lucerne is an excellent source of nectar and pollen, making it a popular food source for honeybees and nectar feeding birds like Tui and Bellbird. The leaves and seedpods are also eaten by Kereru
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