Leucaena

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Leucaena
File:Leucaena glauca.jpg
Leucaena leucocephala
Scientific classification
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Leucaena

Type species
Leucaena glauca
Benth.[1]
Species

See text.

Synonyms

Caudoleucaena Britton & Rose
Ryncholeucaena Britton & Rose[2]

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Leucaena is a genus of flowering plants in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the legume family Fabaceae. It contains about 24 species of trees and shrubs, which are commonly known as Leadtrees.[3] They are native to the Americas, ranging from Texas in the United States south to Peru.[4] The generic name is derived from the Greek word λευκός (leukos), meaning "white," referring to the flowers.[5]

Uses

Leucaena species are grown for their variety of uses, including as green manure, a charcoal source, livestock fodder, and for soil conservation. The seeds (jumbie beans) can be used as beads. Leucaena planted for firewood on an area of 120 km2 (46 sq mi) will yield an energy equivalent of 1 million barrels of oil per year. Anthelmintic medicines are made from extracts of Leucaena seeds in Sumatra, Indonesia.[4]

Some species (namely Leucaena leucocephala) have edible fruits (as unripe) and seeds. The seeds of guaje (Leucaena esculenta) are eaten with salt in Mexico. In other species high levels of mimosine may lead to hair loss and infertility in non-ruminants.[4]

List of species

Hybrids

Formerly placed here

References

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External links