Is kiawe invasive?

Kiawe is technically an invasive species in Hawaii, and its presence can harm native plants. But kiawe is also a drought-resistant plant and its strong roots can help protect coastlines from storms.

Is kiawe an Acacia tree?

Kiawe wood is one of Maui’s densest wood and can be found on the dry side of the island at ocean level. It is a member of the Acacia family and was introduced to Hawaii when the islands were colonized. Kiawe wood, also known as mesquite, is widely used for bar-b-ques and fire wood.

Is kiawe the same as mesquite?

It is a species of the mesquite tree; its scientific name is Prosopis pallida. It is a thorny legume, native to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Considered an invasive species in other places it grows, Kiawe is threatened in its native habitat.

Is kiawe wood indigenous to Hawaii?

Distribution. Long-thorn kiawe is native to South America, Central America and the Caribbean and was first noted in Hawai’i in 1978.

What kind of wood is kiawe?

Hawaiian mesquite
Kiawe wood (prosopis pallidia) is a slightly “sweeter” Hawaiian mesquite. This is a different speices than mesquite in the western USA. This variety naturalized in Hawaii over 170 years ago. Kiawe has the flavor of the tropical islands and imparts it on your grilled or smoked meat.

Is kiawe poisonous?

Long thorn kiawe grows as a sprawling shrub, and is armed with 3-inch long toxin-tipped thorns (common kiawe grows into a tree and has thorns that are either absent or less than 1 in long). Yes you are correct mesquite tree thorns are poisonous to both humans and animals.

Where did kiawe originate?

The origin of the kiawe appears to be from Peru, Boliva, Equador and Chili. It grew in hot, dry coastal regions in South America where there were no other trees except for the kiawe. On his visit to Peru, Father Bachelot learned this tree was able to grow in a hot climate and thrive with no water.

What type of wood is kiawe?

The Details Kiawe wood (prosopis pallidia) is a slightly “sweeter” Hawaiian mesquite. This is a different speices than mesquite in the western USA. This variety naturalized in Hawaii over 170 years ago. Kiawe has the flavor of the tropical islands and imparts it on your grilled or smoked meat.

Who brought kiawe to Hawaii?

Father Alexis Bachelot
The “official” story is that kiawe was first brought to Oahu for Queen Emma and planted by Father Alexis Bachelot as cuttings from the Jardin du Rois in Paris, France. Supposedly, from this one tree, all of the kiawe in Hawaii were born and subsequently spread by cattle and people as shade and fodder.

Is kiawe wood good for smoking meat?

Kiawe wood (prosopis pallidia) is a slightly “sweeter” Hawaiian mesquite. This is a different speices than mesquite in the western USA. Kiawe has the flavor of the tropical islands and imparts it on your grilled or smoked meat. Great with steak and chicken.

What does the name kiawe mean?

The Hawaiian Word of the Day is kiawe. Kiawe is the Hawaiian name for the Algaroba tree, a species of the mesquite tree, which was introduced to Hawai’i in the 19th century.

Is kiawe good firewood?

It makes a good shade tree, if one does not mind the nasty thorns of the fallen branches. Its hard wood is a source of long-burning firewood and charcoal. Kiawe pods can be used as livestock fodder, ground into flour, turned into molasses or used to make beer.

Is the kiawe tree considered an invasive species?

Considered an invasive species in other places it grows, Kiawe is threatened in its native habitat. Trees grow rather quickly and can live for over a millennium. But kiawe is much more than just firewood. It is also an excellent shade tree if you don’t mind the nasty thorns that can reach over an inch in length.

What can the pods of the kiawe tree be used for?

Pods of the kiawe tree can be used as livestock fodder, turned into molasses, brewed into a tea or even used to make beer. It is a nutritious staple food that is naturally sweet, gluten-free and diabetic-friendly.

Can You Kill a palm tree with diesel?

Palm trees usually are easy to eradicate, as you can cut away these simply. However, at times, the tree may grow back from the stump, and that is when the diesel treatment works the best. Just cut away as much as possible and paint the exposed living part with diesel or the mix of diesel and sugar.

How long does a kiawe tree live for?

Trees grow rather quickly and can live for over a millennium. But kiawe is much more than just firewood. It is also an excellent shade tree if you don’t mind the nasty thorns that can reach over an inch in length. The thorns on fallen branches have been known to not just puncture feet, but also tires.