New Albizia Statewide Strategic Plan Approved by HISC

Posted on Feb 1, 2018 in slider

ALBIZIA (FALCATARIA MOLUCCANA)

Hawaii Pacific Weed Risk Assessment: 8, High Risk

Regulatory Status: None

Prevention and Control Category: BIISC Target Species, MoMISC Target Species

Report this species if seen on Molokai

 

 

 

 

Albizia Strategic Plan:

On January 18, 2018, the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC) voted to approve a strategic plan to address albizia statewide. The purpose of this strategic plan is to provide large-scale objectives and a framework to minimize the impacts of albizia on the environment, human health, and infrastructure by:

  1. Describing statewide impacts of albizia
  2. Summarizing available control methods
  3. Recommending directions for future research on detection and control methodologies
  4. Supporting and encouraging the development of site-specific management plans
  5. Identifying priorities for HISC funding to support research, detection, and control efforts.

 

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

Distribution

  • Kauai: Widespread
  • Oahu: Widespread
  • Maui: Widespread with restricted populations in West Maui
  • Molokai: No current infestations known. 
  • Lanai: Relatively small populations located centrally
  • Kahoolawe: None known.
  • Big Island: Widespread

For more information, see: