Leucaena leucocephala is a species from the Family Mimosaceae, which is characterized by its compound bipinnate leaves with even number of leaflets shown in the photo. The white structures shown in the picture are their head inflorescences on which monadelphous stamen could be found.
Apart from the morphology, another feature of this plant is that it is an extremely invasive plant which spread worldwide, especially the tropical regions, due to its high adaptability in harsh condition (CABI, 2020).
In some places, it is suggested that the species can be used in agroforestry as it is a legume which can help fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. However, is it really suitable to use an aggressively invasive species in agroforestry?
Reference
1. CABI. (2020). Leucaena leucocephala
(leucaena). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/31634
Apart from the morphology, another feature of this plant is that it is an extremely invasive plant which spread worldwide, especially the tropical regions, due to its high adaptability in harsh condition (CABI, 2020).
In some places, it is suggested that the species can be used in agroforestry as it is a legume which can help fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil. However, is it really suitable to use an aggressively invasive species in agroforestry?
Reference
1. CABI. (2020). Leucaena leucocephala
(leucaena). In: Invasive Species Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. Retrieved from https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/31634