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Description
Leucaena Pulverulenta, also known as White Leadtree, is a small tree that belongs to the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and Asia. The tree can grow up to 6 meters tall and has a spreading, open crown. It is highly valued for its ornamental qualities, as well as for its nitrogen-fixing ability and use as a fodder crop.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Leucaena |
Appearance
The leaves of Leucaena Pulverulenta are bipinnate and have 5-6 pairs of pinnae, each with 15-20 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are oblong and measure about 5-12 mm in length. The flowers are white or pale yellow, and are arranged in clusters of 4-10. The fruit is a straight or slightly curved pod that measures about 10-18 cm in length and contains 6-12 seeds.
Care Guide
Leucaena Pulverulenta is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. It prefers a well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is also drought-tolerant and can be grown in a range of soil types. Watering should be done regularly during the first growing season, but once established, the plant can tolerate some dryness. Fertilization is not necessary, but a balanced fertilizer can be applied once or twice a year to promote growth. The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Leucaena Pulverulenta is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may occasionally be affected by spider mites, thrips, or whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered.
Habitat
Leucaena Pulverulenta is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it grows in dry forests, thorn scrub, and disturbed areas. It has also been introduced to other parts of the world, including Australia and Asia, where it is grown as an ornamental plant, forage crop, and for reforestation.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Leucaena Pulverulenta a fast-growing plant?
A: Yes, Leucaena Pulverulenta is a fast-growing plant that can grow up to 6 meters tall in just a few years.
Q: Can Leucaena Pulverulenta be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Leucaena Pulverulenta can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Q: Can Leucaena Pulverulenta tolerate frost?
A: No, Leucaena Pulverulenta is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.
Q: Is Leucaena Pulverulenta invasive?
A: No, Leucaena Pulverulenta is not considered invasive and is not known to be a threat to native ecosystems.
Related Plants
- Leucaena leucocephala
- Leucaena esculenta
- Leucaena diversifolia
- Leucaena trichandra
References
- “Leucaena Pulverulenta.” Floridata, https://floridata.com/plant/322.
- “Leucaena Pulverulenta.” PlantNet, https://www.plantnet.org/PlantNet/PlantList/cadreRechercheSimple.do?nameSearch=Leucaena+pulverulenta.
- “Leucaena Pulverulenta.” Trees for Life, https://treesforlife.org.au/tfl.item.metadata/species/leucaena-pulverulenta.
