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Introduction of Leucaena fruit

            Scientific name - Leucaena leucocephala

Leucocephala is a species of flowering plants in the genre Mimosoideae of the legume family Fabaceae. Indigenous to the Americas from Texas in the United States south to Peru, it holds just about 24 varieties of trees and shrubs; they are generally referred to as Lead trees. The non-specific or common name is derived from the Greek word (leukos) which means "white" and it refers to the flowers. Seeing that the flowers are self-fertile, most seeds result from self-pollination. As long as dampness prevails, flowering and fruiting will be present all through the year and it is coupled with inhibition of vegetative growth. The fruit is expected to ripe, within 10 to 15 weeks.

Nutritional Value of Leucaena fruit

Vitamins	value
Calories	59
Moisture	80.7
Protein	8.4 g
Fat	0.9 g
Total Carbohydrate	8.8 g
Fiber	3.8 g
Ash	1.2 g
Ca	137 mg
P	11 mg
Fe	9.2 mg
Riboflavin	0.09 mg
Niacin	5.4 mg
Ascorbic acid	8 mg

Leucaena fruit Uses

During the 1970's and 8'’s, for its multiple uses, the tree was promoted as a miracle tree. Most importantly, they are a good source of quality animal feed. Ever since ancient times, unripe seeds and pods of all varieties have been used by the local inhabitants of Mexico and Central America as a medicine or food; In Thailand, young shoots are used by the villagers as a food.

The pods are edible; however only young pods are edible. These pods are occasionally consumed with Javanese vegetable salads together with spicy peanut sauce in Indonesia. Not only they are useful for human consumption, with regards to forage and fodder, the legume acts as a great source of high-protein cattle fodder. Having said that, they are also valued for its ruminant forage and as a fuel wood throughout Southeast Asia and parts of central Asia and Africa

Health Benefits of Leucaena fruit

Loaded with medicinal properties, the seeds of leucocephala have the power to control stomachache, as contraception and abortifacient.

In tablet formulation, the seed gum is used as a binder. The plant is believed to be a worm repellent and L. leucocephala is also used in treating fevers, flu, colds in addition they are also used to reduce back pain and menstrual cramps.

Propagation of Leucaena fruit

Propagation of Leucaena is mainly accomplished via seed. Leucaena seeds require warm, moist conditions to germinate, and they typically take between 4 and 10 weeks to sprout after sowing. The seeds should be planted in a mixture of sand and soil in lightly shaded areas. The soil should be well-draining, and the seedbed should be kept consistently moist.

In order to ensure successful propagation, the seed should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. This helps to soften the seed coat and improve the seed's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Once the seed has been soaked, it should be planted about an inch deep in the soil, and then lightly covered with additional soil.

Leucaena can also be propagated via cuttings. To do this, cut off a stem from a mature Leucaena plant and remove any leaves from the lower half. Place the stem in a mixture of sand and soil, and keep it moist until the stem has taken root and new growth appears.

Leucaena can also be propagated via layering. To do this, take a stem from a mature Leucaena plant and bend it to the ground. Bury the stem in soil and lightly cover it with additional soil. The stem will root and form a new plant.

Leucaena is a fast-growing species and can reach maturity within a few months. Once established, Leucaena is a hardy plant and can tolerate most soil types and climates. It can be grown in a wide variety of soils, ranging from sandy loams to clay loams, and can tolerate periods of drought as well as occasional flooding.

Leucaena is a valuable species for agroforestry, as it can be grown for timber, firewood, and animal fodder. The fruits are also edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Leucaena is a fast-growing species and can be propagated easily from seed, cuttings, or layering. With proper care and attention, Leucaena can be a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.

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