Galapagos Species Database
The Galapagos Species Database shares the information about the species from our Natural History Collections.
Leucaena leucocephala
lead tree
The lead tree is small tree that has white flowers and round seeds in pods. It has the ability to resprout from the base if cut, and regenerates rapidly after burning.
A small tree with white flowers and round seeds in pods. A tree can produce from 4000 to 8000 seeds annually. The seeds are dispersed by animals and in the soil. It has the ability to resprout from the base, and regenerates rapidly after burning. It grows in semi-arid areas. The leaves and pods are used as fodder for cattle.
Domain
Eukaryota
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Magnoliophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida (= Dicotyledoneae)
Order
Fabales
Family
Fabaceae
Genus
Leucaena
Species
leucocephala
Taxon category: Accepted
Origin: Introduced - established
Mode of introduction: Intentional
Introduction Pathway: Intentional
Subpathway: Agriculture/Horticulture
Introduced status: Human dependent
Invasive status: No data
Impact in Galapagos: Forms monospecific thickets which though are relatively open, are often without other vegetation, and threatens species that are endangered. It can also invade rockbound lava soils. In Galapagos it is a weed in the town of San Cristobal, present everywhere.
Control History in Galapagos: Although is a relatively easy to kill with herbicide, once established in a site can be difficult to eradicate because the seeds in the soil can remain viable for over 10 years. To limit its invasion in Galapagos there was an eradication project on the islands Floreana and Isabela where there were very few plants. The project needs monitoring.
Preference for an altitude zone in Galapagos: Humid zone
Habitat preferences: Grows in semi-arid areas.
Trophic role: Primary producer
Reproductive biology: Individuals can produce from 4000 to 8000 seeds annually. Seeds are dispersed by animals and in soil.
Growth form: Trees
Distribution origin: Central America
Economic Use: The leaves and pods are used as fodder for cattle.
Map of specimen collection localities or observation records for this species in our collections database.
Distribution: On Santa Cruz, large distribution in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal, limited but expanding distribution on Isabela and Floreana. Originally from Central America.
- Atkinson, R. Trueman, M., Guézou, A., Jaramillo, P., Paz, M., Sanchez, J., Sánchez, Y. & Silva., M. (2010) Native gardens for Galapagos – can community active help to prevent future plant invasions? . In Galapagos Report 2009–2010. Puerto Ayora, Galapagos - Ecuador.
- Mueller-Dombois, D. Loope, L. (1987) Algunos Aspectos Ecológicos unicos en Ecosistemas de Islas Oceánicas. Memorias Taller sobre investigación Botánica y manejo en Galápagos. Pg. 24-32.
- Tropicos.org. (2017) Database of Missouri Botanical Garden. Tropicos.org. Missouri Botanical Garden. 06 Oct 2017 <http://www.tropicos.org
You are welcome to download and use the information found in this page, acknowledging its source.
This page should be cited as follows:
"Galapagos Species Database, Leucaena leucocephala", dataZone. Charles Darwin Foundation, https://datazone.darwinfoundation.org/en/checklist/?species=14605. Accessed 15 December 2025.
Dispersal propagule: Seed