In order to enlarge tree genotype base towards its integration into farming systems in the tropics, a study was conducted to assess seed germination, early growth and nodulation performance of a wild indigenous parkland tree, Entada abyssinica. The study was conducted over five months on an acid nitrogen-poor sandy soil. Phosphorus P and Nitrogen (N) were variably combined to determine their effect compared to no-fertilization on this tree legume performance in a trial comprising 12 treatments replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Seeds of the tree revealed no dormancy and their germination was highest under hot water scarification for 30 min. Tree height, base girth and dry biomass yield were found to be best under no fertilization (NoPo). This treatment did not significantly differ from the supply of 40 kg P ha-1 that was the most performing in nodulation and the optimum P rate for this tree species. Without any rhizobium inoculation, E. abyssinica was found bearing nodules of indeterminate type, and of coralloid shape, Furthermore, its thriving in an unfertile soil with no supply of either P or N is a promising indication of its potential as N2-fixing species for agroforestry in marginal soil areas and a potential alley cropping hedgerow species.