Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Dalbergia latifolia, commonly known as East Indian rosewood, is a large, deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. It can grow up to 60–80 feet tall, developing a broad canopy and dark, fissured bark. The tree is especially valued for its dense, richly colored heartwood, which ranges from golden brown to deep purplish-brown with darker streaks. Because of its strength, durability, and beautiful grain, East Indian rosewood is widely used in fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, decorative veneers, and high-end musical instruments. It is also occasionally planted as a shade or ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical regions.

Risks, Threats & Management
Although East Indian rosewood is not known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that warrant caution. As a fast-growing tropical hardwood that produces viable seeds and can thrive in warm climates, it may have the potential to establish outside cultivation under favorable conditions. Members of the legume family can also influence soil nutrients, which may alter surrounding ecosystems. At this time, further evaluation is needed to better understand its reproductive capacity, spread potential, and possible environmental impacts in Hawaii. Careful monitoring and responsible planting practices are recommended to help ensure that this species does not negatively affect native forests or landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized elsewhere: Established outside native range (e.g., Sri Lanka)
  
• Invasive congener: Dalbergia sissoo is a serious invasive species
  
• Climate versatility: Tolerates wide rainfall (750–5000 mm) and altitude range
  
• Broad soil tolerance: Suited to many soil types
  
• Shade tolerant: Especially as a seedling
  
• Vegetative spread: Produces root suckers when wounded
  
• Coppices readily: Regenerates after cutting or disturbance
  
• Nitrogen-fixing: Can alter soil conditions
  
• Repeated introductions: Widely planted for timber

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a documented weed: No evidence as agricultural or environmental weed
  
• No dense thickets: Occurs scattered, not gregarious
  
• Short-lived seed bank: Viable <1 year
  
• Low seed output: Pods contain only 1–4 seeds
  
• Poor dispersal: No adaptation for wind, water, or animal dispersal
  
• No toxicity/allelopathy: Not toxic to animals; no evidence of allelopathic effects
  
• Palatable to herbivores: Seedlings browsed; foliage used as fodder