Subabul, Leucaena leucocephala - 0.5 kg Seeds

Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), also called white leadtree, is a fast-growing, multipurpose leguminous tree that is one of the most widely planted agroforestry species in India. As a nitrogen-fixing legume it enriches the soil and is grown for fuelwood, pulpwood, poles, green manure and high-protein leaf fodder.

It is used for reforestation, live fencing and hedgerows, windbreaks, alley cropping and the rehabilitation of degraded land, establishing quickly and coppicing vigorously. Subabul is drought tolerant and thrives across the plains and dry tracts of peninsular and central India in a wide range of well-drained soils under full sun.

• Family: Fabaceae (legume)
• Native region: Central America (Mexico); naturalised throughout India
• Mature height: 7–18 m
• Growth rate: very fast

Sowing the seed: pour hot (near-boiling) water over the hard seeds and let them soak as the water cools for 12–24 hours to break dormancy, then sow 1–2 cm deep in bags or directly in the field. Germination is quick, usually within 7–14 days. Seedlings grow rapidly and can be transplanted or thinned once 20–30 cm tall.