Lead tree (Leucaena leucocephala)

Leucaena leucocephala, subabul or lead tree, is a fast-growing tree from Central America planted across India for fodder, firewood, pulp and green manure. Its white, fluffy flower balls and flat brown pods are a familiar sight on roadsides. It is listed among the world’s worst invasive species, and its leaves contain mimosine, which is toxic to livestock in large amounts.

Botanical name: Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit
Family: Fabaceae
Tamil: Soundal
Hindi: Subabul
Parts used: Leaf as forage
Habit: Lead tree; a planted forage that can runaway
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Lead tree

It is a small, fast-growing tree with feathery, twice-pinnate leaves of many tiny leaflets.

Flowers are round, white to cream powder-puff heads about two centimetres across.

The pods are flat, thin and brown, hanging in clusters and splitting to release shiny brown seeds.

Agathi, Sesbania grandiflora, has large curved white flowers and is eaten as a vegetable.

Young shoots and leaves are bright green, and the tree often flowers and fruits almost all year.

Traditional use of Lead tree

Farming

Subabul is grown on farms in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere for pulpwood, poles, fuel and cattle fodder.

Indian farm practice

Modern notes on Lead tree

Mimosine in the leaves causes hair loss and thyroid problems in cattle and goats fed large amounts. In Australia, rumen bacteria that break down mimosine were introduced to make it safer as fodder.

It fixes nitrogen and grows on poor soil, which made it a popular agroforestry tree before its invasiveness was understood.

Lead tree safety

Feed the leaves only as part of a mixed diet. Do not eat the seeds.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to southern Mexico and Central America.

It produces large numbers of seeds and forms dense thickets that crowd out native plants, which is why it is on the list of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.

A psyllid insect pest damaged many plantations in Asia in the 1980s.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Lead tree

Is Lead tree agathi?

No. Agathi is Sesbania grandiflora.

What older names does Leucaena leucocephala go by?

Leucaena glauca.

Is Lead tree good fodder?

In moderation, mixed with other feeds.

Why is Lead tree invasive?

It seeds heavily, grows fast and forms dense thickets that other plants cannot penetrate.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.