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Leucaena (White Leadtree)
الليوسينا · Leucaena leucocephala
A fast-spreading tree, one of the world's worst invasive plants. It crowds out native plants.
Quick facts
| Arabic name | الليوسينا |
|---|---|
| English name | Leucaena (White Leadtree) |
| Scientific name | Leucaena leucocephala |
| Family | Legume family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Invasive shrub or small tree |
| Height | 3 to 10 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
Not usually planted
Harvest
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A tree with fine feathery leaves, round white flowers and many flat brown pods.
Where it grows
Found in gardens and neglected land in Makkah, Jazan, the Eastern Province, Riyadh and Madinah.
Soil
Grows in most soils.
Water and irrigation
Handles drought.
Climate and light
Loves heat.
Propagation
From its many seeds.
Benefits and uses
- Used as feed in some countries
Drawbacks
- Invasive and spreads fast
- Its leaves can harm animals if they eat a lot
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Leucaena leucocephala
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Leucaena leucocephala
- Wikipedia: Leucaena leucocephala
- ASPCA - Toxic and non-toxic plants list
- CABI - Invasive Species Compendium
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)