Reafforestation

Press, 28 November 1979, Page 20

Reafforestation

Sir, — Throughout the world, especially in the tropics, forests are being cut faster than they can replenish themselves. One-third of South America’s forests, half of Africa’s and two-thirds of South-East Asia’s have been destroyed in what may well be the biggest environmental disaster yet. However, while in the United States I heard of a tree named Leucaena which can grow 12 feet tall within six months of planting and in eight years be as tall as a five-storey building. It is a hard wood and is as dense as oak. The fibre is acceptable for paper-making and when mulched is excellent fertiliser. It is essentially a permanent forest be-

cause after felling, the stump of a leucaena tree grows back with such vigour that the plant, is said to defy the wood-cutter. I would invite experts to comment on this “miracle” tree and ask would it be suitable for New Zealand conditions? — Yours, etc., J. P. LEY. November 20, 1979. [Mr J. W. Levy, Canterbury Conservator of Forests, replies; “Leucaena glauca is a native of tropical America, introduced to several other tropical countries where it is useful as a shade and fodder tree, as a cover crop and to combat soil erosion. In Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar the species is now regarded as a dangerous weed because of its readiness to grow from seed suckers and even stakes, and its tolerance of heavy shade. The wood is used as fuel. I doubt whether it wouid grow in New Zealand conditions and the wisdom of endeavouring to do so.”]