This forage legume is native to Southeast Asia with adaptability to the major soil types of the Caribbean Basin and quite tolerant to diseases and insects. Its ability to fix nitrogen under natural conditions is excellent and increases organic matter content in the soil and crude protein in the forage. Even though its nutritive value is considered moderate due to limited voluntary intake during the rainy season, its contribution to increasing forage quality and animal production in the dry season is significative in conditions of pure swards or "protein banks". Increased animal productivity has been reported even in the case of natural pastures. This legume in association with improved tropical grasses also increases animal productivity in the dry season. Its persistence under grazing is excellent due to its capacity to grow aggressively during the rainy season. For these reasons it is considered a pioneer legume to show the benefits of forage legumes and for the implementation of a forage legume program by livestock producers.