White Popinac

Leucaena leucocephala
Leucaena leucocephala.jpg
Scientific classification
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L. leucocephala
Binomial name
Leucaena leucocephala
Synonyms
  • Acacia frondosa Willd.
  • Acacia glauca (L.) Willd.
  • Acacia leucocephala (Lam.) Link
  • Acacia leucophala Link
  • Leucaena glabra Benth.
  • Leucaena glauca Benth.
  • Mimosa glauca sensu L.1763 Misapplied
  • Mimosa glauca Koenig ex Roxb.
  • Mimosa leucocephala Lam.
  • Mimosa leucophala Lam.
Pods of Leucaena leucocephala in the month of May.
Leucaena leucocephala - MHNT

Leucaena leucocephala is a small fast-growing mimosoid tree native to southern Mexico and northern Central America (Belize and Guatemala) and is now naturalized throughout the tropics.

Common names include white leadtree,jumbay, river tamarind, subabul, and white popinac.

The specific name is derived from the Greek words λευκό, meaning "white", and κέφαλος, meaning "head," referring to its flowers.

L. leucocephala is used for a variety of purposes, such as firewood, fiber, and livestock fodder.

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