Leucaena leucocephala - white mimosa (Square vase 9x9x20 cm)

The genus includes around 50 species of shrubs and trees present in the tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America, Africa and the South Pacific. Leucaena leucocephala is a rapidly growing tree up to 18-20 m tall, with large, broad foliage and main trunk branching from below. The relatively smooth bark is light gray in color and cracks only in adult specimens. The leaves are bipinnate, dark green, 8-10 cm long. The flowers, similar to those of the mimosa, are pure white and appear numerous at the tips of the branches. The fruits, which are flattened legumes, are up to 15-18 cm long and contain small dark brown seeds.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to any soil as long as it is draining. It should be planted in full sun and tolerates drought well. It requires large spaces to allow the foliage to spread freely. A non-rustic species, it cannot tolerate winters with too harsh frosts and can only be raised outdoors where temperatures do not fall below -2°/-4°C for short periods. Despite being a medium-sized tree, it adapts very well to pot cultivation and flowers and bears fruit regularly even in containers that are not too large.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Leucaena leucocephala

Family: Fabaceae