Status:
valid
Authors:
C.E.Hughes & S.A.Harris
Source:
ildis
Year:
1998
Citation Micro:
Pl. Syst. Evol.212: 70 (1998)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000192538
Common Names
- Leucaena Spontanea
- Leucaena Spontanea
- Spontaneous Leadtree
Description
Leucaena spontanea (also called Spontaneous Leucaena, among many other common names) is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree native to Mexico and Central America. It has a rounded crown, and its leaves are alternate, bipinnate, and bright green. It grows in tropical and subtropical climates, in dry to moist soils, and in full sun to partial shade.
Uses & Benefits
Leucaena spontanea is used as a source of firewood, timber, and fodder. It is also used as a soil stabilizer and as a source of tannin for leather tanning.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Leucaena spontanea is a white to yellowish-white, with a yellowish-green calyx. The seed is a flat, brown, oblong-shaped seed, with a smooth surface and a pointed tip. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Leucaena spontanea is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost. It can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
Where to Find Leucaena spontanea
Leucaena spontanea can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Leucaena spontanea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Leucaena spontanea?
Leucaena spontanea
What is the common name of Leucaena spontanea?
Spontaneous Leadtree
What is the growth habit of Leucaena spontanea?
It is an erect, clump-forming perennial
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
References
Stephen A. Harris: Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'S.A.Harris' in the authors string.