Koa hoale: Leucaena leucocephala

A Hawaiian Invasive Plant

Leucaena leucocephala is a native plant to tropical America where it grows in dry forests. In Hawaii the plant is known as koa haole, and is a great example of an alien pest species in Hawaii. The name koa haole, likely came from its resemlance to the other native tree in the bean family, koa, and haole, alluding to its introduction by white foriegners.

Description

Koa haole is a sturdy shrub or small tree that can reach almost 30 feet tall. The flowering heads (infloresences) are resemble white globules that are about one inch in diameter. In reality, these tiny globules are actually composed of many small flowers with white petals. The leaves are pinnately compound with many leaflets. The plant produeces everal thin pods that surround small brown seeds.