Leucaena, Lead Tree, White Tamarind

Leucaena leucocephala

Physical Characteristics

Leucaena leucocephala is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid, very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Central America, north to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Coffee Drink Gum Young leaves, pods and flower buds - raw, steamed, in soups, with rice or mixed with chillies and other spices[301 ]. Some caution is advised - see the notes above on toxicity[303 ]. Seeds - raw or cooked. The unripe seeds are mixed with grated coconut, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked[301 ]. The mature, but not dried, seeds are eaten raw or cooked as a delicacy[301 ]. Dried seeds are fermented into tempeh lamtoro and dageh lamtoro[301 ]. The dried seed can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute[272 , 301 ]. An edible gum obtained from the plant is used in sauces[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Emollient The roasted seeds are emollient[272 ]. A decoction of the root and bark is abortifacient[272 ].

Known Hazards

The leaves of most forms of this plant contain the unusual amino acid mimosene[301 ]. In large quantities this can be harmful[301 ]. There are low-mimosene cultivars[301 ].