Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae), an invasive species in Argentina

Abstract

Background and aims: Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) has been considered one of the 100 most invasive species on a global scale. Despite its potential threat, its introduction is increasingly being promoted for agroforestry, ornamentation, shading and handicrafts in the warm and temperate forest regions of Argentina. The threat of Leucaena populations to biodiversity has been reported worldwide, where control was not effective. The aims of the present study were to update the record of naturalized populations in Argentina and provide information on the historical and current processes of naturalization and invasion. M&M: The records were documented by collecting plant material in the field and examination of material housed in herbaria. Field observations were also made to observe current naturalization processes and interaction with dispersers/predators. Results: The invasive condition was confirmed in Argentina and two introduction pathways were recognized. Based on the general appearance of the groves and the microhabitat that is generated in the invaded environments, it is considered a transformer species in Argentina. The reproductive characteristics and their interaction with other strata of regional biodiversity related to the invasive process are indicated. Conclusions: The analysis of the herbarium labels allowed detecting that in 1921 this species was already naturalized in the country. The intervention of humans in its dispersal is discussed and future scenarios are proposed.