Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Kennedia rubicunda, commonly known as dusky coral pea or red coral-pea, is a vigorous, twining vine native to eastern Australia. It is valued for its attractive, deep red to purplish pea-like flowers and lush green foliage, making it a popular ornamental for trellises, fences, and ground cover in warm climates. As a member of the legume family, it can also improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. This hardy plant tolerates a range of conditions, including poor soils and periods of drought, contributing to its appeal in landscaping.

Risks & Threats:
Although Kennedia rubicunda is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its fast growth, climbing habit, and ability to spread by seed could allow it to outcompete native vegetation, smother shrubs and small trees, and alter natural habitats. In tropical island ecosystems like Hawaii, where native species often evolved without aggressive competitors, such characteristics could lead to ecological imbalance. Because of these potential risks, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping to help protect Hawaii’s unique environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil conditions
  
• Climbing or smothering growth habit
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Self-compatible or apomictic
  
• Reproduces by vegetative fragmentation
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Propagules dispersed by water, birds, and other animals (externally)
  
• Persistent seed bank (over 1 year)
  
• Tolerates or benefits from mutilation, cultivation, or fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Requires specialist pollinators
  
• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• Non-toxic to animals and humans
  
• Does not hybridize naturally
  
• No prolific seed production