White Leadtree / River Tamarind / Ipil-Ipil / White Popinac

Source Data

Leucaena leucocephala, also known as Leucaena leucocephala, or Leucaena glaucosa.

Description:
An evergreen shrub or tree in the legume family, native to Central America, growing up to 20 m in height.

The leaves are bipinnate, up to 30 cm long.

The inflorescences are white, fluffy heads up to 2 cm in diameter, reminiscent of mimosa.

The fruits are flat, straight, or slightly sickle-shaped beans up to 20 cm long. Ripe beans have a brown, brittle skin.

Uses:
Unripe beans and seeds are edible and used in soups or stews. It is also used to create hedges and to protect soil from erosion. It can be grown as a bonsai.

Growing conditions:
Prefers sunny areas. Dislikes highly acidic soils.

USDA Hardiness Zone:
9 (-7°C to -1°C).

Growing from Seed:
Before sowing, scarify the seeds (scald the hard seed coat with very hot water or file the seed). After scarifying, soak the seeds in cold water for at least 12 hours. Sow the seeds, still moist, in moist soil under plastic wrap. Germinate at 20°C.

Instructions

1. Scarification required before sowing.
2. Sowing: Sow seeds in well-draining seed compost.
3. Germination temperature: 20°C.

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