I love to describe content in this blog about the Leucaena Leucocephala, this plant species belongs to the Fabaceae family, is native to Mexico and has spread throughout the tropics of the new and old world, naturalized in most tropical countries.
▶ It is a large tree, which can reach up to 15 m in height, although it is usually no more than a shrub of 3 m or less. Its adaptability allows it to develop from sea level, in areas where rainfall of 760 mm occurs.
▶ Credits: engormix – [Image of Public Domain]
It prefers neutral soils with adequate Ca content and pH greater than 5.5, although it also adapts to clayey, heavy and saline soils. Leucaena sp has a high nutritional value, consisting of 25.9% crude protein, 22.4% true protein, 75.9% digestibility of organic matter, 2.4% calcium, 0.23% phosphorus, among others.
This plant is used in various production systems and for multiple purposes; in addition, it is one of the forage legumes with good characteristics for feeding grazing cattle and other animal species, thus being an excellent source of protein for livestock, whether browsed or harvested mature or immature, green or dry.
In addition, it has gained a favorable reputation in the management of eroded soils, water conservation, reforestation in soil improvement programs and is a green cover for crops; its leaves used as a lot in crops, increase yields significantly.