Also known as White Leadtree, River Tamarind, Jumbay, Ipil-ipil
White leadtrees are fast-growing leguminous trees capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen through root nodule bacteria, allowing them to rapidly colonize poor tropical soils. Their fluffy white flower heads attract diverse bee species, followed by dense hanging clusters of flat, translucent seed pods that turn papery brown when mature. While valued for livestock fodder and wood in agroforestry, rapid seed dispersal has enabled them to become aggressive invaders across global tropical regions.
ThreatsBiological control insects, clearing for agriculture, fire
HabitatsTropical dry forests, coastal thickets, roadsides, disturbed land
Life span20 to 50 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
OrderFabales
FamilyFabaceae
GenusLeucaena
Speciesleucaena leucocephala
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
Low
Moderate
High
Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Contains mimosine which is toxic if ingested; wild pods and seeds have dangerous look-alikes.
Why it is dangerous
Foliage and raw seeds contain mimosine, a non-protein amino acid that causes hair loss, thyroid enlargement, and toxicity in non-ruminants and humans if ingested.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for bipinnately compound leaves, ball-like white inflorescences, and broad clusters of flat brown pods.
What to do
Observe the tree without eating any wild seeds or leaves, and keep non-ruminant pets from browsing the foliage.
Responsible observation
Spotting Seed Pods: Look for large clusters of flat, papery brown pods hanging from branches year-round.
Observing Flowers: Examine the globose white flower heads in early morning when pollinating insects are most active.
