ipil

Ipil, or ipil-ipil, refers to Leucaena leucocephala, a fast-growing leguminous tree in the pea family. Native to southern Mexico and northern Central America, it has been introduced widely in tropical regions for shade, fodder, soil improvement, and erosion control. It is commonly planted in agroforestry systems and as a shade tree in coffee and cacao plantations.

The tree typically reaches 5 to 15 meters in height, with a spreading crown. It has bipinnate leaves with numerous small leaflets. Flowers are small and pale, occurring in dense heads, followed by flat, curved pods about 8 to 15 cm long that contain many seeds. Wood is light and soft, making it suitable for light construction, fencing, and fuelwood in some settings.

Uses and management: Leucaena leucocephala is valued for fodder, providing high-protein leaves and young pods for cattle, sheep, and goats. It is also used as green manure and for nitrogen fixation, improving soil fertility and structure. Beyond agriculture, the wood and biomass support firewood, charcoal, and light timber applications, while the tree offers shade and erosion control. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings; seeds have a hard coat and often require scarification or pretreatment for reliable germination. The species tolerates warm temperatures and poor soils but is sensitive to prolonged cold and waterlogging.

Ecology and concerns: In some regions, ipil-ipil can become invasive, forming dense stands that displace native vegetation. It contains toxic compounds such as mimosine, which can pose health risks to livestock if fed inappropriately, necessitating careful management in forage systems.

Cultural note: In the Philippines, ipil-ipil is a common term for this species and its uses are widespread in rural agroforestry.