Scientific name: Leucaena leucocephala
Description
- Small tree growing to 7 metres
- Compound leaves divided into 3 to 6 pairs of branchlets
- Compact 'pom pom' shaped flowers in yellow or whitish clusters in summer
- Elongated, flat seed pods 8 to 18 centimetres long.
Problem
- High germination rates and an aggressive grower that forms a monoculture.
- Smothers native plants and excludes regrowth.
Weed status - environmental weed
Environmental weeds are not listed under the Act and there is no regulation for their control.
Although, not declared, these weeds do cause serious environmental harm and where practical, should be managed.
Control method
Foliar Spray
Herbicide is diluted with water at a specific rate, and sprayed over the foliage to point of runoff.
Most suited to shrubs, grasses and dense vines less than six metres tall.
Cut Stump
Involves lopping the weed close to the ground and then spraying the stump immediately (within 15 seconds) with herbicide to ensure absorption.
Basal Bark Spraying
Involves mixing a suitable herbicide in diesel and spraying the full circumference of the plant’s trunk or stem, completely wetting 30 to 45 centimetres from the ground level up the stem.
Herbicide warning
Before using any herbicide always read the label carefully and ensure that the chemical is registered for use on the target weed. All herbicides must be applied strictly in accordance with the directions on the label.
More information
