Family: Fabaceae

Centrosema pubescens, commonly known as centro, is a fast-growing, perennial legume vine native to tropical Central and South America. It has trailing or climbing stems with soft, hairy leaves and showy lavender to purplish pea-like flowers. Centro has been widely planted in tropical regions as a forage crop for livestock, a cover crop in plantations, and for soil improvement because it fixes nitrogen and helps reduce erosion. Its ability to grow well in poor soils and under partial shade has made it popular in agricultural and restoration settings.

Despite its agricultural benefits, centro can pose risks in natural areas. The vine grows aggressively and can spread beyond cultivation, forming dense mats that smother native vegetation and inhibit regeneration of native plants. In Hawaiʻi and other Pacific islands, it has been observed naturalizing in disturbed sites and forest edges, where it may alter plant community structure and compete with native species. Care should be taken to prevent its escape into unmanaged areas, and non-invasive alternatives are recommended for landscaping or restoration projects near native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in many tropical regions
  
• Agricultural weed in several countries
  
• Shade tolerant and climbs/smothers vegetation
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soils
  
• Self-pollinating and produces viable, persistent seeds
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (rooting at nodes)
  
• Short generation time (annual)
  
• Intentionally spread as a cover crop
  
• Can contaminate produce
  
• Tolerates heavy grazing and disturbance

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic to animals and humans
  
• No allelopathy or parasitism
  
• Not a fire hazard or environmental weed
  
• Not dispersed by wind, water, birds, or animal fur
  
• Not a prolific seed producer
  
• Controllable with herbicides