trade
search plant database and seed store
Plant Informational Database

Koa Haole

Leucaena leucocephala

a.k.a. Lead Tree

Shrubby, arid climate tree with a world of uses, most notably for cattle fodder, and decoration.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Koa Haole. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

Shrubby bush or tree often only to 6-8ft but occasionally to 30-60ft. The tree has a huge wealth of uses, and is an extremely fast-grower, but care should be taken in some regions to control growth as the seeds are easily dispersed by birds and grazing cattle.

Hardiness

Only mildly hardy, probably not surviving temperatures lower than 32F.

Growing Environment

Grows very well in arid tropical climates and can become a pest species in such climates. Grows best under full sun, needs little water or care once established. Very fast grower. Grows in practically any soil type, doesn't mind salt spray.

Propagation

By seed, upon which seedlings can take less than 12 months to come into bearing.

Uses

Young pods are cooked and eaten as vegetables. Seeds can be used as a substitute for coffee, and when cooked can be eaten like popcorn. Commonly used in tropical regions as cattle fodder. Larger growing trees are used to shade coffee and cacao plantations. Hard seeds are incorporated into jewelery. Historically, the bark was used to treat stomach pain, and as a contraceptive.

Native Range

Native to Central America but has naturalized in many tropical regions.

Related Species

Fabaceae  
Acacia caven
Espinillo
Acacia farnesiana
Sweet Acacia
Acacia koa
Koa
Acacia podalyriifolia
Pearl Acacia
Acacia verticillata
Prickly Moses
Bauhinia forficata
Brazilian Orchid Tree
Bauhinia variegata
Orchid Tree
Caesalpinia echinata
Brazilwood
Caesalpinia gilliesii
Desert Bird of Paradise
Cassia closiana
Golden Cassia
Cassia excelsa
Crown of Gold Tree
Cassia fistula
Golden Shower Tree
Cassia grandis
Coral Shower Tree
Cassia x nealiae (Cassia fistula x javanica)
Rainbow Shower Tree
Ceratonia siliqua
Carob
Delonix regia
Royal Poinciana
Erythrina crista-galli
Cockspur Coral Tree
Indigofera australis
Indigo
Inga cinnamomea
Inga Acu
Inga edulis
Ice Cream Bean
Inga feuillei
Pacay
Inga laurina
White Inga
Inga marginata
Guabilla
Inga sessilis
Monkey Inga
Inga vulpina
Pink Flowered Inga
Inocarpus fagifer
Polynesian Chestnut
Hyacinth Bean
Lablab purpurea
Azure Blue Sweet Pea
Lathyrus sativus
Leucaena leucocephala
Koa Haole
Mimosa pudica
Sensitive Plant
Parkia javanica
Sataw
Scarlet Runner Bean
Phaseolus coccineus
Pithecellobium dulce
Manila Tamarind
Pithecellobium flexicaule
Texas Ebony
Pongamia pinnata
Pongam
Samanea saman
Monkey Pod
Senna alata
Candle Bush
Senna multiglandulosa
Buttercup Bush
Senna surattensis
Singapore Shower
Strongylodon macrobotrys
Jade Vine
Tamarindus indica
Tamarind
Vicia faba
Fava Bean