Koa haole (Leucaena leucocephala var. leucocephala), known also as the Hawaiian or common-type leucaena, is found throughout the semi-arid forests of the Hawaiian islands. It was apparently introduced as a single self-fertile provenance in the middle 1800's. Koahaole provides significant high-protein fodder for browse animals and is an important forest type in Hawaii's dry lowlands for soil stabilization. The wide distribution of the common koa haole has lead to misconception of the opportunity provided by improved varieties of Leucaena. Improvements of Leucaena spp. are discussed here for the three areas of psyllid resistance, reduced frequency of seeding, and rapid juvenile growth. Research results indicate improved higher yielding varieties of Leucaena may be very important in providing maximum yields while increasing desirability for use in Hawaiian forests and rangelands
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