Hawaii residents are urged to use the Pest Hotline to promptly report sightings of invasive pests such as snakes, unusually aggressive stinging ants, and illegal or unknown animals. Call 643-PEST (643-7378)
Different from common kiawe (Prosopis pallida), long thorn kiawe can grow as a rambling shrub or tree, and has 6 cm (2.5 in) long thorns (common kiawe grows into a tree and has thorns that are either absent or less than 3 cm (1 in) long.
Native to Africa, introduction history is unknown, but first noted invading in 1978. Possibly introduced for agriculture or accidentally introduced.
Harm:
Grows in dense thickets and crowds out native coastal plants, prevents beach access
Long, sturdy thorns able to pierce slippers, shoes and even truck tires.
Produces thousands of seeds per year, which are carried by water and animals
Despite its relative value as cattle fodder, it encroaches on pastureland where introduced (e.g. South America, Asia and Australia) and is considered a noxious weed.
In Hawaii:
Kauai: Populations on the beaches of Mahaulepu, Barking Sands, and the area between Waimea Bridge and Kekaha. Populations also exist on Niihau. KISC is working with partners to control populations, although a large population on military property at the Pacific Missile Range Facility at Barking Sands remains inaccessible at this time.
Oahu: Populations along the leeward coast and along canals from Kapalama to Waianae. Not considered eradicable by OISC, landowners are asked to control this pest wherever possible.
Maui: None known.
Molokai: One recent planting of a couple dozen plants found along property line at beach access to Papohaku Beach. Not currently a control target for MoMISC.
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