Koa haole

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

Koa haole is a sturdy shrub or small tree that can reach almost 30 feet tall. The branches have brown, corky pores and are thornless, hairy when young, and brown and hairless when old. The flowering heads (infloresences) 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 produces several thin pods that surround small brown seeds.

Traditional Cultural and Medicinal Usages

• The koa haole is used for fodder, shade, erosion control, and decoration
• The young pods of the tree are cooked and eaten as vegetables, however, humans and non-ruminant animals can suffer hair loss and other health problems if they regularly consume this plant or make it a major portion of their diet
• Seeds can be used as a substitute for a coffee.