Leucaena
Leucaena leucocephala
Leucaena is a genus of about 20 species of the legume family ( Fabaceae ) that grow as trees or shrubs. The natural distribution of the genus is located in North and South America. One type, the wild tamarind ( Leucaena leucocephala ), is used worldwide in the tropics as a fruit tree.
Description
The species of the genus Leucaena grow as evergreen and unreinforced trees and shrubs. The leaves are bipinnate. The stipules are small, bristly and fall off early. The petiole is often occupied with glands. The numerous small leaflets are arranged on opposite sides.
The rounded and stalked flower heads appear singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. There are usually formed two bracts. The flowers are usually hermaphrodite and sitting. The calyx is bell-shaped and fünfzipfelig. The five petals are free or almost free. There shall be ten stamens, which are free and range from the petals out. The anthers have glands. The ovary is stalked and has numerous ovules. The style is filiform. The fruits are stalked, broad band-shaped, leathery, bivalve shells. The seeds are transversely ovate and flat.
Dissemination
The distribution area of about 20 species located in North and South America. One type, the wild tamarind ( Leucaena leucocephala ), was naturalized in Asia.
Systematics and history of research
Leucaena is a genus in the legume family ( Fabaceae ). There she is assigned to the subfamily of the mimosa family ( Mimosoideae ), Tribe Mimoseae. The genus was first described by George Bentham in 1842.
According to Flora of China 22 species can be distinguished, in the Plant List the following 24 species are recognized:
- Leucaena collinsii Britton & Rose
- Leucaena confertiflora Zarate
- Leucaena cuspidata Standlschmaus.
- Leucaena diversifolia ( Schltdl. ) Benth.
- Leucaena esculenta ( DC.) Benth.
- Leucaena greggii S.Watson
- Leucaena involucrata Zarate
- Leucaena lanceolata S.Watson
- Leucaena lempirana C.E.Hughes
- Weißkopfmimose ( Leucaena leucocephala ( Lam.) de Wit)
- Leucaena macrophylla Benth.
- Leucaena magnifica ( C.E.Hughes ) C.E.Hughes
- Leucaena matudae ( Zarate ) C.E.Hughes
- Leucaena mixtec C.E.Hughes & S.A.Harris
- Leucaena multicapitula Schery
- Leucaena pallida Britton & Rose
- Leucaena pueblana Britton & Rose
- Leucaena pulverulenta ( Schltdl. ) Benth.
- Leucaena retusa Benth.
- Leucaena salvadorensis Britton & Rose
- Leucaena shannonii Donn.Sm.
- Leucaena spontanea C.E.Hughes & S.A.Harris
- Leucaena Trichandra ( Zucc. ) Urb.
- Leucaena trichodes ( Jacq. ) Benth.
Use
Leucaena leucocephala The nature applicable in the tropics as one of the most important forage plants, several other species of the genus are used similarly to a lesser extent in tropical America. Due to the high content of alkaloids, they may be fed to non- ruminant animals only to a small extent. However, ruminants can tolerate easily. They also serve as protection against erosion, afforestation and as shade trees in plantations. The trees are happy stock decisive and fast growing. They are therefore suitable for timber production and for the production of high-quality cellulose for paper production.