Leucaena in Reunion Island

Leucaena leucocephala, introduced into Reunion Island between 1820-1830, has been widely used as a fodder plant for some thirty years. The species, which profits by a local scarcity of current fires and a general decrease of the pasture, is now stretching over the zones of low altitude, in the lee-side of the island. As a plant invader, and owing to the fact that it makes up a host-plant for crop-devastating thrips, the species is mainly considered today as noxious on that island. (Résumé d'auteur