Habitat and Location:
Leucaena leucocephala, commonly known as white leadtree, is a fast-growing, tropical leguminous tree from Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. It has since naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. This species thrives in a wide range of habitats, from coastal plains to arid regions, often found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and alongside roadsides.
Description:
Leucaena leucocephala is a medium-sized tree or shrub that can reach heights of 5-20 meters. It is characterized by its feathery, bipinnate leaves that provide a delicate, fern-like appearance. The tree produces small, spherical flower heads that are cream or white in color, followed by flat, elongated seed pods containing numerous seeds. Its deep root system allows it to withstand drought conditions, making it an essential species in reforestation and soil improvement projects.
This species is widely valued for its versatility, including use as a fodder crop, green manure, and erosion control. It also fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility in degraded lands. The wood is used as fuel, while its seeds and leaves serve various traditional medicinal purposes.
Care Instructions:
Leucaena leucocephala thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating a range of conditions from sandy to clayey substrates. It is highly drought-tolerant but grows best with moderate watering, especially during establishment. This species prefers warm temperatures between 20-35°C and is sensitive to frost.
Prune regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth, especially if used as a hedge or fodder source. Fertilization is rarely needed due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, but applying organic compost can enhance growth in poor soils.
Specifications:
Plant Size: young saplings 15-25 cm tall. They stop growing during cooler and darker months.
Family: Fabaceae
Plant Passport: A Leucaena leucocephala B 140084 c 00000 d GB