Driving down the Pahoa-Kapoho Rd, one would certainly become entranced as the jungle seems to swallow you up.
It is the Albizia tree which grow so tall quickly with its branches fanning out to create shade for all those below. To the tourist, this may seem lovely but for those who have seen them after a strong wind understand the danger that lurks within these white giants.
The Albizia Trees that quickly spring up in vacant lots or recently cleared land have become one of Hawaii’s worst invasive species. It has been called “the tree that ate Puna”.
This albizia tree, Falcataria moluccana is a native to such places as Papa New Guinea, the Bismark Archipelago, and the Solomon Islands. The tree can reach heights of more than 60 feet by the end of ten years.
It is a nitrogen fixer, meaning that with the help of some bacteria residing in its roots, it can pull nitrogen out of the air and convert it to a form that roots can absorb. Because of this ability, it is used in many countries to improve soils as well as provide shade in coffee plantations. I’d like to think that this tree will serve us in the long run by creating soil above the lava base. But for now, do NOT hire a bulldozer to clear your land. Because you’d be clearing the native ohia/uluhe forest, which is somewhat resistant to Albizia invasion. Now that you have cleared the earth for the Albizia to take over. Upon your return, to the Big Island in 5 years, sure enough, an Albizia forest has sprung up.
For a copy of “Albizia – The Tree That Ate Puna” authored by C. Sumida, F. Hughes and Kathleen Friday, contact Veronica at vlmoreland@fs.fed.us or write to USDA Forest Service, Institute of Pacific Islands Foresty at 60 Nowelo St, Hilo 96720; or call at 933-8121
