Etymology | Genus | White; referring to the flower colour |
---|---|---|
Species | White head; referring to the flower structure and colour | |
Family | Fabaceae | |
Synonyms | Mimosa leucocephala Lam., Mimosa leucophala Lam., Acacia leucocephala (Lam.) Link | |
Common Names | Wild Tamarind, Lead Tree, Lamtoro, Petai Jawa | |
Status | Exotic: Naturalised | |
Form | Shrub or small tree | |
Native Distribution | Tropical America |
Leucaena leucocephala is a very common shrub or tree up to 10m. Individuals are often multi-stemmed and form dense thickets in scrublands because of the vigorous growth rate. The bipinnate leaves are mildly droopy, flower clusters are creamy white, and fruit pods are large and flatten. An easy way to identify the plant from afar is to watch out for its gregarious brown legumes.
These trees stand about 8 m tall.
While young, these Wild Tamarind are already reproductive. Pure stands of the species form a thicket in the background.
Leaves are bipinnately compound.
Leaflets are asymmetrical.
Flowering occurs at the branch terminals.
One way to identify the plant is to look out for his long brown legumes.
Fruit pods are flatten and compressed around the seeds.