Lead Tree (Leucaena leucocephala): Fast-Growing Multipurpose

Lead tree, or white tamarind, is a fast-growing tropical legume tree native to Central America, widely planted for fodder, fuel, green manure, and reforestation, but invasive in many regions.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This evergreen tree grows 20–30 feet tall with a open crown. Leaves are bipinnate, feathery. Flowers are white, in globose heads. Fruit is a flat, brown pod in clusters. It fixes nitrogen.

Cultivation and Warning

Lead tree thrives in poor soils, drought, and heat. However, it is listed among the world's worst invasive species, forming dense thickets that displace natives. The variety leucocephala is weedy; the subspecies glabrata (giant leucaena) is less so but still spreads. Use with extreme caution.

Uses

High-protein fodder for ruminants (but toxic to non-ruminants due to mimosine), firewood, charcoal, shade for coffee/cocoa.