Leucaena retusa

Leucaena retusa is a species of flowering plant in the legume family known by the common names littleleaf leadtree, goldenball leadtree, wahoo tree, and lemonball.[1] It is native to Chihuahua and Coahuila in Mexico and Texas in the United States.[2] It also occurs in New Mexico.[1][3]

Leucaena retusa

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Plantae
(unranked):
Angiosperms
(unranked):
Eudicots
(unranked):
Rosids
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Leucaena
Species:
L. retusa
Binomial name
Leucaena retusa
Natural range

This plant is a small tree that can reach 25 feet in height. The leaves are bright green to blue-green[4] in color and each is divided into several leaflets.[1] The spherical flowers are yellow to white in color.[4] The trees flower in April through October and they tend to flower profusely after rain. The fruit is a legume pod up to 10 inches in length. The wood is weak and breaks easily.[1][4]

This tree grows in dry habitat and it is drought-tolerant.[1] It is adapted to alkaline soils and full sunlight.[4] It is often cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive appearance. It is easily grown from seed and it will reseed itself.[1] It can even become weedy.[4] It is not considered useful as a honey plant or for its wood.[1]

Animals such as livestock and white-tailed deer find the herbage palatable. The seeds are also high in protein.[1]

References
  1. Leucaena retusa. USDA NRCS Plant Guide.
  2. "Leucaena retusa". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  3. Leucaena retusa. NatureServe.
  4. Leucaena retusa. USDA FS Fact Sheet.
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