Katuray (Sesbania Grandiflora) Plant

Katuray, (Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir) is a small soft wooded perennial tree (genus Sesbania of the Family: Fabaceae) growing to 12 m with a cylindrical trunk diameter of about 30 cms. It is commonly called sesbania, agatisesbania, West Indian pea and Vegetable hummingbird in English.

While it looks like a green bean, katuray is actually an edible flower from the hummingbird tree. It is native to the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Katuray is rich in protein and vitamins B and C and is said to help against cough and colds.

Crushed or minced katuray leaves is given as a patch for people suffering from itchy scabies. It can also be boiled and drink as a remedy for constipation and difficulty in bowel excretion. Drinking the juice from flowers and leaves can cure a runny nose due to severe colds.