River Tamarind (Leucaena leucocephala)

FamilyFabaceae
Scientific nameLeucaena leucocephala
Common name (English)Cow Tamarind
Common name (Malay)Petai Belalang
Identified asIntroduced plant on Project M.A.R.S.’s land

Leucaena leucocephala, commonly known as cow tamarind or haole koa, is a fast-growing leguminous tree in the Fabaceae family. Native to Central America and Mexico, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for forage, green manure, soil improvement, and erosion control. The leaves and pods are rich in protein and are used as livestock feed, while the tree’s nitrogen-fixing ability enhances soil fertility. Traditionally, parts of the plant have also been used in folk medicine for their anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. With its ecological, agricultural, and medicinal significance, Leucaena leucocephala is a valuable species in sustainable farming systems.