White Leadtree
ExplorePlants
White Leadtree
leucaena leucocephala
The White Leadtree (Leucaena leucocephala), also known as the river tamarind or jumbay, is a versatile and fast-growing miracle tree native to southern Mexico and Central America. Now naturalized throughout the global tropics, this resilient legume is widely cultivated for livestock fodder, firewood, and soil improvement. However, its high adaptability and rapid growth have also earned it a spot among the world's 100 worst invasive species. This dual nature makes the White Leadtree a fascinating subject of study, representing both a valuable agricultural asset and a significant ecological challenge in non-native habitats where it forms dense, monospecific thickets that displace native vegetation.
Habitat: Found in disturbed sites, coastal areas, riparian zones, and open woodlands across tropical and subtropical regions.
Appearance
The White Leadtree typically grows as a small, shrubby tree reaching 5 to 20 meters in height. It is easily identified by its bipinnate, feathery green leaves that close up slightly at night. During the blooming season, it produces spherical, puffy white flower heads that resemble small pom-poms, about 2 centimeters in diameter. These flowers transition into clusters of long, flat, translucent brown seed pods, each measuring 10 to 15 centimeters in length, which dangle conspicuously from the branches and rattle softly in the wind.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusLeucaena
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It is nicknamed the 'Conflict Tree' because of its dual identity as a highly beneficial agroforestry species and a destructive invasive weed.
Its seeds contain an amino acid called mimosine, which can cause hair loss and health issues in non-ruminant animals if eaten in large quantities.
The puffy white flowers of the White Leadtree close up and sleep at night along with its sensitive, feathery leaflets.
Special abilities
Ability
Nitrogen Fixation
Partners with symbiotic soil bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nutrients, allowing it to thrive in and enrich poor soils.
Ability
Rapid Regeneration
Sprouts vigorously from cut stumps and produces abundant seeds, enabling it to dominate disturbed landscapes quickly.
Ability
Drought Tolerance
Utilizes a deep taproot system to access deep water tables, allowing it to survive prolonged dry seasons.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 500-2000 cm
- Lifespan
- 20-40 years
- Incubation
- 6-15 days
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, the White Leadtree produces its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil nutrients.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon Dioxide
- Soil Minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leucaena Seed Beetle
Acanthoscelides macrophthalmus
The larvae of this seed beetle feed exclusively on the seeds of the White Leadtree, acting as a natural biological control agent.
mutualism
Rhizobium Bacteria
Rhizobium leguminosarum
Forms a symbiotic relationship in the root nodules to fix nitrogen, benefiting both the plant and the soil microbiology.
eaten by
Domestic Goat
Capra hircus
Goats readily graze on the high-protein leaves and shoots of the tree, although excessive intake can cause mimosine toxicity.
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify White Leadtree?
The easiest way to identify White Leadtree is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is White Leadtree?
500-2000 cm
How long does White Leadtree live?
20-40 years
What does White Leadtree eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, the White Leadtree produces its own food using sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil nutrients.
Where is White Leadtree usually found?
Found in disturbed sites, coastal areas, riparian zones, and open woodlands across tropical and subtropical regions.
How long do White Leadtree eggs take to hatch?
6-15 days
Snap Map
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