Hawaii in the late 1800s planted fast-growing leucaena trees for cattle fodder and erosion control, but scientists now say they have spread across the islands, replacing native dry forests with dense invasive stands

When Leucaena leucocephala was introduced to Hawaii in the late 1800s, it was seen as a solution to several environmental and agricultural problems. It was used as cattle fodder and firewood and planted to prevent soil erosion, quickly becoming an important part of the Hawaiian ranching economy. Its tolerance of harsh conditions, drought and poor soils helped rehabilitate soil by fixing nitrogen. More than a century later, experts say those same traits have helped the species spread across the state and create problems.

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