Leucaena Leucocephala

Description

Leucaena Leucocephala is a fast-growing perennial tree that is native to Central and South America. It is also known as the white leadtree, jumbay, and wild tamarind. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is widely cultivated for its many uses. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a diameter of up to 60 centimeters.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Leucaena Leucocephala tree has feathery leaves that are green and compound, with up to 20 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, and are borne in clusters. The fruit is a long, narrow pod that contains several seeds. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly with age. The tree also has a deep and extensive root system that can help prevent soil erosion.

Care Guide

Leucaena Leucocephala is a versatile and resilient tree that can adapt to a wide range of conditions. However, it does require certain care to thrive:

• Water: The tree prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate moderate drought. However, it should be watered regularly during the dry season.
• Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Leucaena Leucocephala is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may occasionally suffer from the following:

• Pests: The tree may be attacked by scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites. These can be controlled with insecticides.
• Diseases: The tree may be susceptible to root rot and leaf spot. These can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and maintaining good hygiene.

Habitat

Leucaena Leucocephala is native to Central and South America but has been widely introduced to other regions, including Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in a variety of habitats, from dry savannas to humid forests, and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and climatic conditions. The tree is also used for reforestation and soil conservation projects, as it can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Leucaena Leucocephala poisonous?

A: The seeds and leaves of the tree contain a toxic amino acid called mimosine, which can cause hair loss and other health problems in humans and animals if consumed in large quantities. However, the tree is safe to use as animal feed if properly processed.

Q: What are the medicinal uses of Leucaena Leucocephala?

A: The tree has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Q: What are the environmental benefits of Leucaena Leucocephala?

A: The tree is a nitrogen-fixing species, which means it can convert nitrogen from the air into a form that can be used by plants. This can help improve soil fertility and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. The tree is also used for reforestation and soil conservation projects, as it can help prevent soil erosion and improve soil structure.

Q: What are the economic uses of Leucaena Leucocephala?

A: The tree has a wide range of economic uses, including as a source of timber, firewood, charcoal, and pulp. It is also used as animal feed, green manure, and forage for livestock. The tree has potential uses in the production of biofuels, bioplastics, and other industrial products.

Related Plants

• Leucaena Pallida
• Leucaena Collinita
• Leucaena Trichandra
• Leucaena Esculenta

References

• Orwa C, Mutua A, Kindt R, Jamnadass R, Simons A. (2009). Leucaena leucocephala. Agroforestry Database 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.worldagroforestry.org/treedb/AFTPDFS/Leucaena_leucocephala.PDF
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Plant Guide: Leucaena leucocephala. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_lele2.pdf
• Rosales M, Escobar RH, Restrepo LF, Medina LM. (2010). In vitro regeneration of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. Vitae 17(1): 43-48. Retrieved from https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/1804/180413571007.pdf