Family: Fabaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Leucaena ‘Wondergraze’ is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing tree cultivar derived from Leucaena species native to Mexico and Central America. It is a small to medium-sized, leguminous tree with feathery, fern-like leaves and abundant seed pods. ‘Wondergraze’ has been developed and promoted primarily as a high-protein forage plant for livestock, especially cattle and goats, due to its rapid regrowth after cutting, drought tolerance, and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. It is also used in agroforestry systems for erosion control, windbreaks, and soil improvement in tropical and subtropical regions.
Risks & Threats
Like other Leucaena types, ‘Wondergraze’ has traits that can make it highly competitive in tropical environments. It produces large quantities of seeds, grows quickly, and can form dense stands that may outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem structure. Its nitrogen-fixing ability can also change soil nutrient levels, potentially favoring invasive or weedy species over native plants. In addition, Leucaena species are known to contain compounds that can be toxic to livestock if not properly managed. Although this cultivar is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if it becomes established. Careful evaluation and monitoring are recommended when considering its use in Hawaii.
High Risk Traits:
- Congeneric weed (e.g., L. leucocephala)
- Nitrogen-fixing (alters soil ecology)
- Self-compatible
- Shade & wide soil tolerance
- Produces viable, persistent seed (>1 yr bank)
- Seeds survive cattle gut (80% recovery)
- Tolerates mutilation & fire
- Parent subspecies naturalized
- Requires ~2 years to seed
Low Risk Traits:
- No spines, burrs, or thorns
- No vegetative spread
- No external animal dispersal
- Controlled by herbicides
- Palatable to livestock
- Bred for psyllid resistance
