Lead Tree
Leucaena leucocephala
NEMBA category
English: Lead Tree, Leucaena, White Leadtree, White Popinac
Afrikaans: Reusewattel, Stuipboom
Zulu: ubobo; ulusina
Leucaena leucocephala, commonly known as the Lead Tree or Leucaena, is a fast-growing shrub or small tree native to Central America. It features bipinnate leaves, small white flowers in round clusters, and flat, brown seed pods.
While it is valued for its use as fodder, firewood, and soil improvement, it is a highly invasive alien species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that out-compete native vegetation, particularly in savannas, coastal areas, and riverbanks. Its rapid growth, prolific seed production, and ability to re-sprout after cutting make it difficult to control. The plant also alters soil nitrogen levels, further disrupting ecosystems and posing a significant threat to biodiversity and land productivity.
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Origins: Southern Mexico and Central America
Overall Appearance: A fast-growing, thorny shrub or small tree reaching 15 meters or more in height.
Leaves: Bipinnately compound leaves, resembling mimosa leaves. Each leaf has numerous small, oval-shaped leaflets arranged in pairs.
Flowers: Small, white, fluffy flower clusters resembling powder puffs. Blooms throughout the year in suitable conditions.
Fruits: Flat, brown seed pods containing numerous small seeds.
Seeds: Small, brown seeds that are easily dispersed by wind, water, and animals.
Bark: Greyish-brown bark that becomes rough and fissured with age.
Wood: Hard, durable wood used for various purposes.
Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soil types.
Aspect: Full sun.
Edible Parts: Young leaves and pods are edible for some animals, but can be toxic to livestock in large quantities.
Poisonous Parts: Contains mimosine, a toxic amino acid that can be harmful to some animals.
Uses: Used for fodder, firewood, timber, and soil improvement. Also used in agroforestry systems.
Birds Attracted: Attracts some birds that feed on the seeds.
Insects Attracted: Attracts bees and other pollinators to the flowers.
Mammals Attracted: Some herbivores may browse on the leaves, but consumption should be monitored due to the presence of mimosine.
Provinces Affected: Widespread in South Africa, particularly in warmer regions.
Note: Leadtree is a highly invasive species in South Africa. It forms dense thickets that displace native vegetation, alter water flow, and reduce biodiversity. It can also be toxic to some livestock.
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