Leucaena leucocephala (White Lead Tree, West Indian Lead tree)

Botanical Information

FamilyFabaceae
GenusLeucaena
Speciesleucocephala
CategoryWoody
TypeTree (deciduous)
OriginNative to southern Mexico and northern Central America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		It can be used as firewood, fiber and livestock fodder while young shoots can be cooked as a vegetable.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season preotection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)15 - 30
Temperature (°F)59 - 86
Height18 m

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright and spreading.
CultivationFull sun and partial-shade in well-drained and moist soil with a pH of 5.0 - 8.5.
PestsPsylid can be a problem.
HabitatShallow limestone and coastal sands.
Leaf DescriptionThe leaves are bipinnate with 4 - 9 pairs of pinnae, 35 cm long with a large gland at the base of the petiole. The leaflets are acute, 11 - 22 pairs, 8 - 16 mm long and 1 - 2 mm wide.
Flower DescriptionGlobose heads, 2 - 5 cm wide, 10 per flower on stamens.
Fruit DescriptionThe pods are 14 - 26 cm long and 1.5 - 2 cm wide and pendant-like. The seeds are 18 - 22 per pod and 6 - 10 mm long.
Colour DescriptionThe bark is greyish-brown. The pods and seeds are brown. The flowers are white to yellowish-orange.

Photographs