Serradella Yellow (Ornithopus compressus) and Pink (O. Sativus)

Serradella is adapted to deep, well drained, sandy soils with low pH and low fertility levels. It is particularly tolerant of low phosphorous levels. It will also tolerate moderate to severe aluminium and manganese levels, both of which reduce the productivity and persistence of other legumes such as white and sub clover and lucerne. Serradella has a deep root system that allows it to continue growing actively during the early to mid summer periods, after other annual legumes have finished their growth cycle. It has relatively good resistance to insect and disease attack.

Yellow serradella is characterised by having a very high percentage of hard seeds, prostrate growth habit and yellow flowers. Cultivars of pink serradella, which have been available in the past, have been relatively soft seeded. Pink serradella has an erect growth habit and pink flowers.

Both are annuals that germinate in autumn/early winter and produce during winter, spring and early summer. Both serradellas are non-bloating and contain condensed tannins. These tannins protect protein in the rumen, which increases protein absorption and digestive efficiency in ruminants.

Yellow serradella Pink serradella

Type	Cultivar	Soil pH	Rainfall requirements (mm)	Hard seeding rating	Insect tolerance	Days to flower
Pink	Emena	Acid-Neutral	300	1	High	90
Yellow	Santorini	Acid-Alkaline	300	10	High	100-110