The Leucaena Tree
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The Leucaena: Miracle Tree
In the mid 1960's, scientists developed a hybrid Leucaena tree for study and to breed improvements. Within a few short years, they developed a tree which can grow from a seed to 24 feet tall or more in its first year. When cut, it would always grow back - faster each time, as the root system continued to develop.
This improved tree could do so much that it soon became known as the "Miracle Tree".
The leaves of the Leucaena tree are an excellent source of organic fertilizer, helping to turn land, once considered too crude for planting, into viable land. When planted along side of other crops, the leaves of these trees provide an excellent and natural source of fertilizer.
On steep hillsides, the Leucaena tree can be planted in close proximity to form a natural barrier against soil erosion. The trees trap soil runoff, rapidly building natural terraces to help prevent future runoffs and mudslides.
In addition, the Leucaena tree is hardy enough to grow and flourish in dry, extremely hot conditions. This allows these hybrid trees to be planted in areas once cleared and burned. Once established these trees help to cool the land, providing humidity and partial shade while restoring life to the soil through its continual leaf-fall.
The Leucaena tree helps bring back the diversity of the rain forest of the past. As plants re-emerge, birds and other wildlife species on the verge of extinction find a welcome habitat.
Little by little, we will help to restore this delicate ecosystem. With your support, we can help communities in Central America stave off deforestation by planting these hybrid Leucaena trees.