Status:
valid
Authors:
(Lam.) de Wit
Source:
ildis
Year:
1961
Citation Micro:
Taxon10: 54 (1961)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000164084
Common Names
- White Leadtree
- Leadtree
- Leucaena leucocephala
Synonyms
- Mimosa leucocephala Lam. [valid]
- Acacia leucocephala (Lam.) F.Dietr. [valid]
- Leucaena glabra Benth. [unknown]
Description
Leucaena leucocephala (also called White Leadtree, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub native to Mexico. It has yellow-green flowers and grows in open woodlands, prairies, and disturbed sites.
Uses & Benefits
Leucaena leucocephala is used as a forage crop, as a green manure crop, and as a soil stabilizer. It is also used for erosion control and as a cover crop.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Leucaena leucocephala sub. leucocephala
Leucaena leucocephala sub. glabrata (Rose) Zarate
Leucaena leucocephala sub. glabrata (Rose) Zárate
Leucaena leucocephala sub. ixtahuacana C.E.Hughes
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Leucaena leucocephala is a white, pea-like flower that grows in clusters. Its seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 15 m in height. It is propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood shoots and planted in a well-drained soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist until they are well-rooted.
Where to Find Leucaena leucocephala
Leucaena leucocephala can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Leucaena leucocephala FAQ
What is the scientific name of Leucaena leucocephala?
Leucaena leucocephala
What is the common name of Leucaena leucocephala?
White Leadtree
What is the growth habit of Leucaena leucocephala?
Tree
Species in the Leucaena genus
Leucaena esculenta,
Leucaena leucocephala,
Leucaena pulverulenta,
Leucaena collinsii,
Leucaena lanceolata,
Leucaena diversifolia,
Leucaena macrophylla,
Leucaena trichodes,
Leucaena multicapitula,
Leucaena trichandra,
Leucaena salvadorensis,
Leucaena greggii,
Leucaena cuspidata,
Leucaena confertiflora,
Leucaena pueblana,
Leucaena pallida,
Leucaena matudae,
Leucaena magnifica,
Leucaena lempirana,
Leucaena mixtec,
Leucaena spontanea,
Leucaena retusa,
Leucaena shannonii,
Leucaena mixtec,
Leucaena zacapana,
Leucaena involucrata,
Species in the Fabaceae family