Common Name: Koa haole Scientific Name: Leucaena leucocephala The koa haole is a common shrub or small tree in Hawaii. Its flowers are small and yellow, they develop into thin pods. The leaves have many tiny leaflets. This alien vegetation forms dense impenetrable thickets which tends to crowd out native vegetation. In Hawaii, seeds are strung into leis, purses and table mats. In tropical America, where the plant probably originated, horses, mules and pigs lose their hair if they eat any parts of it. In Hawaii, the dairymen grow koa haole for cattle feed, using seeds in pods, stems, leaves and tops.