Leucaena Leucocephala seeds
seedfreekWakka Wakka country, North Burnett, Queensland, Australia
$10.00
- Botanical name: Leucaena leucocephala
Common name: Leucaena
100 seeds – $10.00
Locally harvested in Queensland
Please note: Express Post is not necessarily quicker because I am regionally based. Standard plus tracking is your best option for tracked postage (and much cheaper)
Leucaena leucocephala is a deep-rooted, perennial, leguminous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Central America and Mexico, but has been introduced and cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical regions worldwide.
Leucaena is a small to medium sized tree growing to nine metres tall. It has a spreading and weeping growth habit, with fern-like compound leaves. The flowers are small, white or cream, and clustered into a sphere, followed by an elongated seed pod containing several seeds. It thrives in tropical and sub-tropical climates, preferring temps between 20 to 30 degrees C, with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Growth stops when daytime temps fall below 15 degrees C. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but performs well in well-drained soils. Young plants require regular watering to establish a strong root system, but once established they become relatively drought tolerant. Frost kills leaf and stems but the plant will regrow from root crown.
Leucaena is an important high strata, low succession tropical and subtropical agroforestry species, used as a high-protein animal forage, for nitrogen fixing, timber and erosion control.
Propagation and Growing Notes for Leucaena Leucocephala:
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prefer warm soil temperatures of 24-29°C for optimal germination.
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nicking or scraping the seed or pouring boiling water over them and soaking for a few minutes enhances germination.
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sow seeds into well-draining seed raising mix at 1.5 to 2.5 cm depth.
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7-14 days to germinate.
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young plants are slow to grow and establish. Maintain water during this stage.
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require full sun to partial shade.
Note: It’s always recommended to consult local gardening guidelines and follow planting and care practices for your specific region.
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Got something to discuss?
I can’t believe this is still for sale. What an environmental disaster from Broome to Bowen.
The seeds are spread and it grows so thick that nothing else survives under it. OK for feedstock back it escapes.
I understand your concerns and agree that without proper management, certain plants like the Leucaena tree can indeed become invasive. However, it’s important to remember that plants, like the Leucaena, can’t defend themselves. They simply adapt and survive in the environment in which they’re placed.
The Leucaena tree is an amazing species. It holds great nutritional value for feedstock and has a fantastic ability to regenerate rapidly after pruning. The biomass it provides can be returned to the soil, enhancing fertility at a remarkable pace.
However, just like any other resource, the key lies in its management. The fault isn’t with the plant itself, but with those who fail to manage it effectively. If tended to properly, the Leucaena tree can be a brilliant asset to our environment and agriculture. Therefore, I believe we should focus on better education and implementation of sustainable management practices, rather than blaming the species for our shortcomings.