Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pterocarpus dalbergioides, commonly known as Andaman redwood, is a large tropical hardwood tree native to the Andaman Islands. It is known for its tall, straight growth form and its rich reddish-brown timber, which is both strong and highly durable. The wood has long been valued for fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and decorative woodwork, while the tree itself is sometimes used in tropical landscapes for its stately appearance and shade-providing canopy. In its native range, it is an important component of lowland evergreen and coastal forest ecosystems.

Risks & Threats
This species is generally considered low risk for becoming invasive and is not known to spread aggressively outside its native habitat. It does not typically form dense stands or displace native vegetation in tropical island ecosystems. The primary concern associated with Pterocarpus dalbergioides is not ecological invasiveness, but potential pressure from logging and overharvesting in parts of its native range due to the high value of its timber. When used in landscaping or forestry outside its native region, it should be sourced responsibly from sustainable suppliers to help avoid contributing to wild population decline.

High Risk Traits:

• History of repeated introductions outside its native range (cultivated in multiple locations)
  
• Host for recognized pests and pathogens (e.g., Zeuzera coffeae, Fomes)
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (heavy, medium, light)
  
• Nitrogen-fixing (can alter soil nutrients)
  
• Propagules adapted for wind dispersal (winged fruit)
  
• Tolerates or benefits from mutilation (coppicing, pollarding)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans (leaves edible)
  
• Palatable to animals
  
• No evidence of prolific seed production (>1000/m²)
  
• Propagules not dispersed unintentionally, as produce contaminants, or by birds/animals (large, dry fruit)
  
• Likely does not form a persistent seed bank (>1 year)