Family: Fabaceae

Copaifera langsdorffii, commonly known as the diesel tree, is a large, long-lived tropical tree native to South America, particularly Brazil and surrounding regions. It is best known for the oily resin produced in its trunk, which has historically been used for medicinal purposes, wood preservation, and even as a fuel source—hence its common name. The tree has a broad, spreading canopy with glossy green leaves and produces small flowers followed by hard-seeded pods. In its native range, Copaifera langsdorffii is valued for traditional medicine, timber, and shade, and it is sometimes grown as an ornamental or curiosity species in botanical collections.

Although Copaifera langsdorffii is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. Its large size, longevity, and ability to thrive in warm climates raise questions about its potential to establish outside of cultivation if introduced. Trees with hard-coated seeds and broad environmental tolerance can sometimes spread slowly but persistently, potentially displacing native vegetation over time. For these reasons, caution is recommended when considering this species for planting, and choosing native or low-risk alternatives is encouraged to help ensure Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems are protected.

High Risk Traits:

• Climate Versatile: Tolerates broad tropical/subtropical ranges in precipitation, temperature, and soil.
  
• Human-Dispersed: Intentionally planted and spread for biofuel use.
  
• Animal-Dispersed: Seeds spread by birds and ants; survive gut passage.
  
• Fire-Prone: Balsam-rich wood ignites easily, increasing fire risk.
  
• Nitrogen-Fixing: Can alter soil chemistry, potentially outcompeting natives.
  
• Shade-Tolerant: Seedlings establish under forest canopy.
  
• Viable Seeds: Produces seeds with high germination rates.

Low Risk Traits:

• Slow Growth: Takes 15–20 years to mature, limiting spread rate.
  
• Seed-Only Reproduction: No vegetative spreading.
  
• No Seed Bank: Seeds germinate quickly; no long-term soil storage.
  
• Non-Weedy: No history of invasiveness in agriculture or ecosystems.
  
• Large Fruit: Unlikely to be dispersed accidentally by wind or humans.
  
• No Physical Defenses: Lacks thorns, spines, or burrs.
  
• Non-Toxic: No evidence of toxicity to humans or livestock.