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jawa Leucaena leucocephala Family Fabaceae updated Nov 10 Where seen? This large bush that looks like a giant mimosa is often seen on our 'wastelands' and near our shores. It was also known as Leucaena glauca and Leucaena latisiliqua. Features: A shrub to small tree (to about 10m). Feathery compound leaves made up of leaflets. Puff-ball shaped flowers made up of pale green petals and lots of creamy white stamens. Thin, flat pods green and nearly transparent when young, ripening to brown, rattling with many small, flat seeds. According to Corners, all parts of the plant have a foetid smell 'like onions' when crushed or broken. Bark light grey and slightly fissured. Human uses: Originally from tropical America, the fast-growing tree is often planted for firewood, as a shade tree and for its fruits. Young pods are eaten as a vegetable by Malays and the raw seeds are said to be tasty. It is also used in reforestation in parts of Southeast Asia. Traditional cures include the leaves to treat poisonous bites and stings, the seeds to treat intestinal worms and in a remedy for diabetes. According to Corners, it is 'peculiarly poisonous' to horses, causing them to lose their mane, tail and ultimately if the horse 'persistently eats' it, its hooves as well! According to Burkill, cattle and goats can eat it without harm. The wood is strong but can only be used for small objects, such as fish-traps. |
 Pulau Semakau, Apr 09 |
 Pulau Semakau, Apr 09  |
 Pulau Semakau, Apr 09  |
 Pulau Semakau, Apr 09  |
 St. John's Island, Aug 09 |
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Links
References
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Singapore University Press. 222 pp.|
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