coffeebush

Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit

Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing, small tree native to southern Mexico and northern Central America. It has been widely introduced and naturalized across tropical regions, including parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific. Known by the common name coffeebush, it is a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family and is valued for its multiple uses in agriculture, soil improvement, and as a source of firewood and fodder. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including open forests, thickets, coastal sands, croplands, fallow fields, and disturbed areas.

Description

Leucaena leucocephala is a shrub or small tree that typically grows in open forests, thickets, and on coastal sands. It is also commonly found in croplands, fallow areas, and disturbed sites. This species is an introduced and naturalized plant, originally from South America. It is characterized by its rapid growth and is often used in agroforestry systems due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. The plant has compound leaves and produces clusters of small, white flowers followed by flat, seed-bearing pods.

Habitat

Leucaena leucocephala is adaptable and can be found in a range of tropical and subtropical habitats. It is commonly associated with open forests, thickets, and coastal sands. It is also frequently observed in agricultural settings, such as croplands, fallow fields, and disturbed areas. The species is well-suited to warm climates and can tolerate a variety of soil types, although it prefers well-drained soils.

Cultivation

Leucaena leucocephala is widely cultivated for its multiple uses, including as a source of firewood, fodder, and green manure. It is often planted in agroforestry systems and used in reforestation projects due to its rapid growth and ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. The species is propagated through seeds and can be established in a range of tropical environments. It requires full sun and well-drained soil for optimal growth.

Uses

Leucaena leucocephala is valued for its numerous applications in agriculture and environmental management. It is used as a source of firewood and charcoal, as well as for producing high-quality fodder for livestock. The plant is also used in soil conservation and as a green manure crop due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. In some regions, it is cultivated for its ornamental value and used in traditional medicine.

Other common names

White leadtreecoffeebushhorse-tamarindleadtreejumbie-beanleucaenavi-visneakytreewhite popinacipil-ipilTan TanWild TamarindTantanTantan TreeMimosa

Distribution

Madeira · BR · Madeira Island · SFF Iguaque | Parque Nacional Natural Catatumbo Barí · TR · Distrito Regional de Manejo Integrado (DRMI) Laguna de Sonso, municipio de Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia · TW · MM · VU · TN · ZA · SC · Rapa Nui - Easter Islands · LC · SA · EG · BN · CK · YE · NP · CW · SX · AW · NU · AS · Kosrae · Yap · Pitcairn Islands · WS · PW