User:Tlnicolas/Prosopis pallida in Hawaii

Prosopis pallida in Hawaii

Prosopis pallida is an invasive plant species in Hawaii that was first introduced in the 1830's. It goes by other names such as its Hawaiian name, the Kiawe and its common name, Mesquite. These trees can be found on the windward side of most Hawaiian Islands.

History

These trees originate from multiple countries in South America, however the one thing its native and introduced areas have in common, are that they are dry. The Kiawe found its way to the islands through a catholic missionary on his way back from Paris. The seed was originally unknown of what it would sprout into, however

Tree Characteristics

Prosopis pallida is known to grow up to 20 feet tall, and has the ability to root itself deep underground. It's root system is a taproot, which means it is good at absorbing and uptaking nutrients and water in the ground. The tree develops both pods and flowers, which are then collected for commercial use.

Benefits

This plant species was brought over with good intentions of agricultural purposes, mainly to help make cattle feed from the seeds and fruits that it would bare. Kiawe honey is another benefit that humans gained, it was helpful for the economy as this was a product that was sold from Hawai'i to other states. Another main purpose it served would be to control erosion that would occur on shores.

Effects & Threats

Invasive species tend to be detrimental to the place of introduction, and the Kiawe is no exception. The most impactful aspects that the Kiawe changes would be agricultural and aesthetic purposes.

Effects on land

As previously mentioned, the trees purpose after being introduced was to help control the problem of erosion when both land and the shore would ride up. This has shown to cause some problems as time gone on. Another part that must be considered would be how it outcompetes with other native plant species. The low-laying shrub known as the beach cabbage is a type of plant endemic to Hawai'i. Native dry forests were also taken over, and there is currently around 61,000 hectares of Kiawe forests in the islands.

Threats to humans

Human life is one of the aspects that are barely effected, however there are some threats still present. Because of the way the plant grows, and the certain features it possesses, its droppings of pods and thorns can be a nusiance.

Solutions for removal

Currently, there are little efforts being made in order to reduce the population of Kiawe. The most recent account of prices for removal of these trees are at nearly $2000 per hectare. Government funding toward the machinery would be the most beneficial, however there are multiple methods that can be put into place that way be efficient. Burning down the trees is a method that requires professionals to do the job, and a lot of funding that must come from state government.