Centrosema pubescens, common name centro or butterfly pea, is a legume in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae, and tribe Phaseolae.

The root system can reach up to 30 cm in depth, frequently in association with Rhizobium, nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

Centrosema pubescens is widely used as forage and a source of protein to grazing cattle from southern Mexico to Colombia.

[7] Centrosema pubescens is grown as a cover crop because it naturally suppresses weeds and is very tolerant to drought.

Recent production figures for several countries:[8][9] Centro is propagated by seed, planted directly into the ground or broadcast over a field typically before the rainy season.

It nodulates easily from native Rhizobium available in the local soil, but the culture CB1103 in Australia has been shown to be very successful in increasing forage yields.

[7] Centrosema pubescens is a promising forage in regions looking for an alternative to enhance the protein content of livestock feed.

[8] In poor nutrient soils its seeds respond best to any amount of phosphorus, molybdenum and magnesium that exists.

[8] Centro is highly drought tolerant because of its deep root system, making it capable of using groundwater if no other water is available.

[10] Centrosema pubescens yield is not affected by acid or very high aluminum soils with low phosphorus.

However, it can increase yields of forage when the soil pH is elevated to 6 and after addition of 30–60 kg per hectare of phosphorus.

Pests include meloidae beetles, thrips, red spiders, bean flies and caterpillars.

Fungal diseases that have previously affected centro include leaf spot, anthracnose and rhizoctonia blight and wilt.

[8] There are 3 distinct germplasm origins that all differ in their characteristics, none of which have been recorded to facilitate further scientific research done to improve the species.

[7] After the seeds are removed from their pods, they are typically cleaned in hot water or with a chemical to eliminate any pathogens that may be present.

[8] Storage of this seed should be dry and free from humidity because wet environments give rise to pests and pathogens and promote their growth.