Question

One of the following is social foresting species with multiple utility
A. Mangifera indica (mango)
B. Leucaena leucocephala (subabul)
C. Borassus flabelliformis (palmyrah palm)
D. Rose grandiflora (rose)

Answer 1

Social forestry is done for the management and protection of forests and the species residing in the forests. It is of different types, such as, farm forestry, community forestry, extension forestry and agroforestry. Farm forestry also provides jobs for unskilled labor.

Complete answer:
Social forestry is very beneficial for growing plants that have multiple uses. Leucaena leucocephala or locally called subabul is a social foresting species with multiple utilities. It is a fast growing plant which is native to southern Mexico and northern Central America. It is also called white leadtree, jumbay, river tamarind, white popinac.
It was called the ‘miracle tree’ in the early seventies for its multiple benefits. It is used for fencing, pulp for paper making, manure, fodder, and residual are used as firewood and charcoal production.
Forage and fodder: the legumes of this plant provide fodder for cattle which is high in protein. Although, it can be harmful for animals like donkeys and horses as it contains a toxin called mimosine, a toxic amino acid, which makes them shed their hair.
Manure: this plant is efficient for nitrogen fixation in soil. Due to its high yield of foliage, it is considered for biomass production as well.
Pulpwood for paper making: the wood subabul tree is used for making pulp which is further transformed into paper. It has a high socio-economic impact.
Food for humans: the young pods that grow in this plant are edible and are used in Javanese salads and tacos, etc.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Subabul seeds are high in energy and protein. They have a toxin called mimosine which has an adverse effect on some animals. Although, this toxin can be reduced to a significant amount by iron. It can also be reduced by soaking the seed in water and letting them dry.