Family: Fabaceae

Paubrasilia echinata (brazilwood, pernambuco wood) is a Brazilian timber tree in the legume family, native to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Starting in the 16th century, the tree became very valued in Europe. It was then overharvested for its valuable heartwood and due to the decline in population, Paubrasilia echinata has become a protected species in Brazil. International trade in Brazilwood is regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This plant has not been documented as being invasive or naturalized worldwide.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows and could spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Armed with prickles on branches and spiny fruit
  
• May be allelopathic
  
• Wood dust may be harmful
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• May be able to spread vegetatively through suckering (limited evidence)
  
• May reach maturity in 3+ years
  
• Seeds dispersed autochorously (explosively) and through intentional cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness worldwide
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Relatively large seeds lack means for long-distance dispersal