Family: Meliaceae
Lovoa trichilioides (African walnut, Congowood) is a large evergreen tree native to Africa. It is used as a shade tree in agroforestry programs, on coffee and banana plantations. Its wood is used in carpentry, furniture making, and construction. With this plant, there have been no reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but there is no evidence of widespread introduction outside its native range. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility.
- Grows, and could spread, in regions with tropical climates.
- The sawdust may be irritant.
- Shade tolerant when young
- Reproduces by prolific seed production (every 3-4 years)
- Seeds dispersed by wind, and intentionally by people.
- Tolerates pruning and can be propagated from stumps.
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Associated with acidic soils (spread may be limited by soil pH)
- Saplings require light gaps to grow and mature.
- Not reported to spread vegetatively.
- Relatively large, wind-dispersed seeds unlikely to be dispersed accidentally by other vectors.
- Seeds have a short viability and are unlikely to form a persistent seed bank.
