Guajal
Leucaena pallida

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. The crown is often open and spreading. It grows 3-7 m tall. It can have several stems. These are 10-15 cm across. The fruit are pods 12-19 cm long by 14-18 mm wide.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in dry forest between 1,100-2,300 m above sea level. It grows in areas where the average daytime temperature is 16-24°C and an annual rainfall between 700-1,800 mm. It can tolerate some salt in the soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Botswana, Central America, Honduras, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw or cooked. The young seeds are put into soups and stews.

Pod and seeds are sold in local markets. It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Pods, seeds, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds have a hard seed coat and can be put in warm water then soaked for 12-24 hours. Trees can be cut back and will re-grow.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Leucaena dugesiana Britton & Rose; Leucaena esculenta (DC.) Benth. subsp. paniculata (Britton & Rose) Zarate; Leucaena oaxacaana Britton & Rose; Leucaena paniculata Britton & Rose;