Leucaena leucocephala
Leucaena leucocephala (pronunciation: loo-KAY-nuh loo-koh-SEF-uh-luh) is a species of small Mimosoid tree that is native to southern Mexico and northern Central America. It is commonly known as the white leadtree, jumbay, river tamarind, subabul, and white popinac.
Etymology
The genus name Leucaena is derived from the Greek word leukos, meaning white, and aina, meaning flower. This refers to the tree's white flowers. The species name leucocephala is also derived from Greek, with leuko meaning white and cephala meaning head, referring to the tree's white flower heads.
Description
Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It has a broad, spreading crown and a short, thick trunk. The leaves are bipinnate, with 4-10 pairs of pinnae, each with 20-40 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are white, fragrant, and arranged in dense globular heads. The fruit is a flat, brown pod, containing several seeds.
Uses
Leucaena leucocephala is widely used in tropical and subtropical regions for various purposes. It is often planted for soil conservation, reforestation, and as a forage crop for livestock. The wood is used for fuel, construction, and furniture. The seeds are edible and can be used as a protein supplement in animal feed. The leaves and young pods are also edible and can be used as a vegetable.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Leucaena leucocephala
- Wikipedia's article - Leucaena leucocephala
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