PlantFiles: Mesquite, Kiawe, Algaroba
Prosopis pallida

U.S. FEDERALLY LISTED NOXIOUS WEED.
Not allowed for import to the US and not allowed in any interstate or intrastate transportation without a specific permit from USDA APHIS PPQ (Plant Protection and Quarantine).
No one should be selling/growing this plant in the U.S.

It doesn't grow in my area since we receive a lot of rain and the trees like a more arid climate. Does quite well on the leeward side of the island. One of the honey keepers on the island has extensive collections of hives in kiawe groves. His honey is unique and quite expensive. Naturally opalescent white and thick without any human processing. Best honey in the world!

I have been told that "kiawe" was originally brought to Hawaii for catle feed, and it' pods are uses extensively for cattle fodder. It was planted in arid areas for shade and reforestation. However it dessicates an area by using all available water. Deep root systems tap ground water. It grows from sea level to 700m. Although considered a pest plant it has many uses and is locally favored by bee-keepers. Kiawe charcoal is popular for BBQ. It has nasty thorns, and as children, often barefoot, we quickly learned to be cautious aroung these trees.