User:SCBE252-2017-Teeraarj

Leucaena leucocephala

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  Leucaena leucocephala

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  Pods of Leucaena leucocephala

Names

• Scientific name: Leucaena leucocephala
• Common names: White leadtree, white popinac, jumbay, wild tamarind, cow tamarind and mlusina
• Family name: Fabaceae

Origin & distribution

Leucaena is native to Guatemala and Mexico, where it is still widespread today. Most leucaena found in natural stands are very similar to the aggressive type of the west coast of Mexico. After that it was introduced to Asia from West Mexico in the 16th and 17th centuries. Then it spread throughout the Asian Pacific region and reached Australia in the late 19^th century. Today leucaena may be found in almost all tropical countries, especially on coral-derived soils of islands, where it often dominates the vegetation. However, heavy frost, acid soils, low P, low Ca and high Al are harmful to leucaena. More recently, the species has generated interest as a fuelwood and as a source of wood for charcoal and pulp.

Current status of the invasiveness in other countries, in Southeast Asia and in Thailand

Nowadays, it has environmental impact to many ways. These are nitrogen-fixing, erosion control, green manure, and acts as a shelterbelt. Nitrogen-fixing fixes huge amounts of nitrogen approximately 200 to 300 kg/ha and promoting grass or maize growth. For erosion control, Its deep taproot helps breaking up compacted subsoil layers and also improve water penetration. Moreover, it gives green manure in cropping systems since its leaves decompose quickly. Lastly, it acts as a shelterbelt which help prevent wind damages to other trees such as coffee, cocoa and tea. All of these occurs around the world.