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Doctor of Science explains why black locust trees should be eradicated: "They are invasive and highly competitive"

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• Far from highlighting their ornamental quality due to the intense yellow color of their flowers that bloom this time of year, the UdeC professor emphasized the "many problems" they cause, both for human health and native species. "They have no redeeming qualities, I would remove them all," he stated.

From late July and mainly throughout August, a tree begins to stand out due to its early flowering: we are referring to the black locust, species of trees belonging to the acacia and vachellia genera, found across much of Chilean territory.

The intense yellow color of their flowers beautifies the surroundings where they grow, predominantly in rural areas, along riverbanks, and visible along highways, providing a harmonious view for drivers and passengers traveling these routes.

Colloquially, it is labeled as "the tree that anticipates spring" or the one that welcomes this season, as its flowers bloom weeks before the seasonal change and, by mid-September, slowly begin to disappear.

But this visually appealing tree is not entirely accepted by the country's botanical community. In fact, many believe this species should be eradicated, as it is considered an "invasive" plant.

WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY ABOUT BLACK LOCUST TREES?

A study in the journal Gayana Botánica titled "Relationship between the invasion of Acacia dealbata Link (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) and plant species richness in south-central Chile," published in the online scientific library SciELO, addresses this issue, stating that "tree invasions can generate changes in plant community composition and reductions in native species richness."

Acacia dealbata Link (black locust), native to Australia and Tasmania and introduced to Chile in the mid-19th century for ornamental purposes, "has been documented as invasive in various ecosystems worldwide," the cited article asserts.
To learn more about the characteristics of this species, La Tribuna newspaper contacted Carlos Baeza Perry, Doctor of Science and full professor in the Department of Botany at the Faculty of Natural and Oceanographic Sciences of the University of Concepción.

PROFESSOR BELIEVES BLACK LOCUST TREES SHOULD BE ERADICATED

Far from highlighting their ornamental quality, the professor warned about the invasive nature of this species, which hinders the regeneration of native trees.

"If black locust trees are kept under control, there's no problem, but they are already everywhere and are extremely competitive. There are practically black locust forests along the margins of many areas, making it very difficult for Chilean species to regenerate," he explained.

In this regard, Baeza bluntly stated that black locust trees should be eradicated from the country. "It's an invasive tree, highly competitive, and should be eradicated from our country. People associate it with natural beauty, but that's not the case. Just look around—they're everywhere," he said.

He based his opinion on the fact that "their natural propagation capacity is enormous because they produce a type of pod, like a small bean, containing tiny black seeds that are very resistant and germinate easily. They have massive seed banks, and even Chilean birds, such as torcazas, eat them and spread them everywhere, which is unsuitable for native species. These plants (black locusts) should not be part of the Chilean landscape," he explained.

Thus, when asked, the Doctor of Science specializing in Botany firmly believes black locust trees should be replaced with native species.

"Absolutely. Black locust trees have no redeeming qualities—I would cut them all down. I would create a plan for that, which, by the way, is already being done. They are strong competitors and nitrogen fixers, so they thrive in poor soils without issue, which is detrimental to native vegetation," he added.

BLACK LOCUST TREES, A SOURCE OF ALLERGIES

The expert also emphasized the complications this tree causes, such as health issues for people.
"It brings many problems because its flowers are clustered in a type of glomerule with numerous stamens that, when mature, open and disperse everywhere with wind and rain, causing many allergic reactions," he noted.

Source: digital print edition ofLa Tribuna