Albizia
Falcataria moluccana
Report if seen anywhere on Molokai
Species Info General
Family: Fabaceae
URGENT: IF YOU SUSPECT YOU’VE FOUND ALBIZIA ON MOLOKAI PLEASE REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY. CALL (808) 336-0625 or EMAIL US at molokaiinvasive@gmail.com
Status on Molokai: In 2008, a 15 acre stand of Albizia was discovered growing on private lands in the north central forest area of Molokai. Control work was conducted and crews routinely revisit the infest site to survey and to control any new growth.
Identification/Description
- Large tree up to 150ft tall
- Extremely fast growing, up to 15 ft per year
- Prone to “sudden limb shear” or “sudden branch drop.” This phenomenon is defined as the sudden failure and collapse of live branches with no sign of physical weakness, and without apparent cause.
- Produces large quantities of wind dispersed seeds
Impacts
- Capable of altering an entire ecosystem by increasing soil nitrogen levels
- Quickly outcompetes and shades out native Hawaiian forest plants
- Reduces habitat quality for native bird species
- Fallen trees and limbs can block roads, and waterways
- Fallen trees and limbs can cause damage infrastructure and property
- Large trees are costly to remove
In Hawaii
- Kauai: Widespread
- Oahu: Widespread
- Maui: Widespread with restricted populations in West Maui
- Lanai: Relatively small populations located centrally
- Kahoolawe: None known.
- Big Island: Widespread
