Propagated by directly sowing seed or by transplanting seedlings. Pre-soak seeds in warm water. Plant at 2 x 2.5 m spacing and thin to 4 x 5 m when mature. Prune every 6-8 weeks or cut back to 0.5-1.0 m during the growing season to fed fresh leaves to livestock. Prefers slightly acidic, fertile soils.
Tree Species (Scientific Name)
Leucaena cultivars
(diversifolia, leucocephala, and hybrids)
Food
Livestock Forage
Fuelwood
Lumber
Ornamental
English Common Name
River Tamarind
Indonesian Common Name
Lamtoro, Lamtoro PG 79, Mlanding (Javanese), Pelending (Sundanese), Pete selong (Sundanese)
Tree Family
Fabaceae
Average Leaf Size (cm)
0.495cm
Length
×
0.09cm
Width
Tree Height
Small (10–20m)
Elevational Range (m)
0–1500m
Distribution
Native
Exotic
Exotic in Indonesia
Native to
Region
Americas
Exotic in
SE Asia
Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
Indonesia
Java, Lesser Sunda Islands, New Guinea, Sulawesi, Sumatra
Coffee Agroforestry Information
Coffee System
Robusta
Arabica
Coffee Impact
Beneficial to coffee
Prevalence
Common in Coffee Agroforestry
Cultivation
Planted
Regeneration
Unknown
Tree Management
Tree Benefits and Uses
Farmer Uses
- Food
- Livestock Forage
- Fuelwood
- Lumber
- Ornamental
The cultivar, Lamtoro PG79, is the primary shade tree propogated and promoted for coffee shade in Indonesia by government and agronomy extension services. Leaves and fruit obtained during pruning are used as fodder for cattle and other livestock and are also used human consumption as vegetables, with the seeds and pods also used and consumed. The species is used for firewood and charcoal. Large logs are also used in construction and as poles.
Farm Services
- Coffee Shade
- Soil Improvement
- Erosion Control
- Coffee Productivity
- Nitrogen Fixation
Biodiversity Benefits
Yes
Used for foraging and perching by many bird species. Used by Javan loris for connectivity. However some cultivars have invasive properties.