The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family Albizia status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication The tree that of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's ate Puna TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice November 2005 Distribution of albizia on the island of and TDD). Hawaii (above). The trees are most readily identified as those forming the To file a complaint of discrimination, write “tree tunnel” near Lava Tree State USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room Park (below). 326-W. Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Comfort Sumida, Flint Hughes, Kathleen Friday (Falcataria moluccana; synonyms Albizia falcataria, Paraserianthes falcataria) PO Box 4370, Hilo HI 96720 Twig with fruits (above), flowers (upper right) (808) 933-8121 [email protected] [email protected] Albizia is a fast growing tree that What you can do: is invasive (weedy) in native Leave the natural vegetation `ohi`a forests as well as on land untouched—don’t bulldoze—until you disturbed by human activities. are ready to utilize the land. Albizia grows rapidly in bulldozed areas Albizia causes `ohi`a to die off, and makes the environment more Eliminate albizia seedlings and small trees before they become a problem. favorable for other invasive species (clidemia, guava, and Deal responsibly with “hazard trees.” Trees that are posing a hazard to possibly miconia and the coqui infrastructure should be removed frog). professionally. Because of their brittle wood and weak structure, large albizia trees Methods of control: pose a hazard to nearby For medium-sized to large trees, and infrastructure. Strong winds can any trees near infrastructure, contact Above: The crown of a mature albizia forms a wide canopy with a distinctive cause large limbs to drop onto an arborist for free consultation to determine the safest and most shape. whatever may be underneath, effective course of action to remove potentially causing costly damage the tree. An arborist will help you to homes and power lines. determine when professional removal is necessary. Albizia grows at a rapid rate. Fell saplings and young trees and Trees can reach heights of more apply herbicide to cut stumps than 20 feet in their first year, 45 immediately. Triclopyr amine is effective at concentrations of 7-10%. feet in their third year, and 60 NOTE: Registrations of pesticides are Before applying any pesticide, under constant review by the Federal feet by the end of their tenth applicators must determine that the Environmental Protection Agency. Use only year. The crown of an albizia tree product under consideration is correct pesticides that bear the EPA registration is broad, capable of shading over for the intended use site according to number and carry directions for home and the label on the container or package. half an acre. garden use. Follow the directions and For more information, read “Woody Plant heed all precautions on the labels. When Control for the Home, Pasture and Forest,” applying a pesticide it is advisable that you by Philip Motooka and others; this and be fully clothed. If the pesticide is spilled other University of Hawaii publications are on your skin or clothing, remove clothing available at http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu immediately and wash skin thoroughly. /ctahr2001/PIO/FreePubs [click “Weed Dispose of empty pesticide containers by Control”] or from the Komohana wrapping them in several layers of Agricultural Complex at 875 Komohana newspaper and placing them in your trash Street, Hilo, HI 96720, Phone (808) 981- can. 5199. .