Leucaena leucocephala

Family: Fabaceae

Common name: Horse tamarind

This plant is a fast-growing, evergreen, thornless shrub that can reach up to 20 meters in height. It is a long-lived perennial legume with a deep taproot and a highly branched structure. The leaves are bipinnate, consisting of numerous leaflets. The inflorescence is cream-colored and globular in shape, producing clusters of flat brown pods that contain 15 to 30 seeds. Flowering and fruiting occur throughout the year.

The tree is valued for its wood, which is used to make high-quality charcoal, small furniture, and paper pulp. Its young shoots, leaves, and seeds can be used as vegetables for human consumption. The seeds can also serve as a substitute for coffee or be fashioned into pieces of jewellery.