Comfrey seen here growing in Area 3

CREAR uses a number of species for forage production in Area 3. Calliandra, a leguminous shrub, has been planted extensively and grows prolifically. A native of Central America, Calliandra has proven to be a pernicious weed in the island geography of the Dominican Republic. This is a humbling reminder that all native possibilities should be exhausted before importing exotics.

Until recently, comfrey was widely used and accepted as an excellent forage crop. High yielding and nutritious, this plant has been used throughout the world for forage and human consumption. Research suggests that high levels of comfrey consumption can be carcinogenic, which has caused some debate about the future of this plant in the farm system. As this debate continues, it is safe to assume that including very minimal quantities of comfrey in the farm system is a low risk way of diversifying the forage system. Carcinogenic properties have been documented at high levels of consumption, much beyond what is normally consumed.

Read more about Comfrey in the Alternative Field Crops Manual.