leucaena

[ loo-see-nuh ]

noun

1. any of various tropical trees belonging to the genus Leucaena, of the legume family, which includes the lead tree.

Word History and Origins

Origin of leucaena¹

< New Latin (1842), apparently < Greek leukaín ( ein ) to become white (derivative of leukós white, bright; leuko- ) + New Latin -a -a ²

Example Sentences

But the tropical Leucaena leucocephala is a bit different from other trees: in tropical climates it grows as high as 65 ft. in five years.

From Time Magazine Archive

That is the word being spread by Forestry Expert Michael Benge, an employee of the federal Agency for International Development, who has become a bureaucratic Johnny Appleseed for the leucaena.

From Time Magazine Archive

The secret of the leucaena's rapid growth is in its roots; they extend as deep as the tree is tall.

From Time Magazine Archive

The Philippines has its own ambitious leucaena program; so too do India and Indonesia.

From Time Magazine Archive

"They say, 'All you do is talk about leucaena,' " he reports of his superiors.

From Time Magazine Archive