Leucaena
Contents
Description
Leucaena is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native to the Americas, especially Mexico and Central America, and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia and Africa. Leucaena is known for its remarkable properties, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which makes it a valuable crop for soil improvement and animal feed.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Leucaena |
Appearance
Leucaena is a tree or shrub that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has pinnate leaves, meaning they are arranged on either side of a central axis, and each leaflet is small and oval-shaped. The flowers are white or pink and arranged in clusters, and the fruit is a pod that contains several seeds. The bark is grayish-brown and smooth when young, becoming rough and fissured with age.
Care Guide
To care for Leucaena, follow these guidelines:- Water: Leucaena prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering, especially during the growing season.- Fertilization: Leucaena benefits from regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost.- Soil: Leucaena grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.- Sunlight: Leucaena prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Leucaena can grow in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leucaena is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:- Leaf miners: These insects tunnel through the leaves, causing damage and reducing plant vigor.- Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant sap, causing discoloration and deformation of the leaves.- Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes black spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation.
Habitat
Leucaena is native to the Americas, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and disturbed areas. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Asia and Africa, where it is grown as a crop for soil improvement and animal feed.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Leucaena fix atmospheric nitrogen?
A: Yes, Leucaena has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, which makes it a valuable crop for soil improvement and animal feed.
Q: What type of soil does Leucaena prefer?
A: Leucaena grows best in well-drained, sandy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases of Leucaena?
A: Leucaena is susceptible to leaf miners, spider mites, and anthracnose.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Leucaena?
A: Leucaena can grow in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Fabaceae family include:- Acacia- Cassia- Crotalaria- Glycine- Indigofera
References
– “Leucaena.” USDA Plants Database. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LEUCA- “Leucaena leucocephala.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282369&isprofile=0&pt=2- “Leucaena.” Plants of the World Online. http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:298290-2
