THE DISTRIBUTION AND ECOLOGY OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA (LAM.) DE WIT SSP. LEUCOCEPHALA (FABACEAE) IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Leucaena leucaena ssp. leucocephala has become the fourth-most-rampant tree weed in Singapore, after Acacia auriculiformis, Falcataria mollucana, and Spathodea campanulata. The spread of the species around the island in recent times is believed to have been established from seed-contaminated soil, brought in from Malaysia or Indonesia for land reclamation and soil works. However, the species is more easily controlled because of its smaller size. It may be a potential candidate for use in reforestation projects in Singapore's nature reserves, to improve impoverished soils on exposed sites as well as to provide shade for seedling or saplings of forest species planted. More research should be done to ascertain the full potential of this species before categorizing it as another nuisance weed species.