Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tephrosia candida (white tephrosia) is a nitrogen-fixing shrub native to the Indian Subcontinent. It typically grows 6–13 feet (2–4 m) tall and produces attractive spikes of white, pea-like flowers followed by slender seed pods. Because it improves soil fertility, it has been widely planted in tropical regions as a cover crop, green manure, erosion-control plant, forage, and for use in agroforestry systems. It is also sometimes grown as an ornamental or used in land restoration projects.

Risks & Threats
White tephrosia is naturalized in Hawaiʻi (including Maui) and is considered to possess traits that are cause for concern. As a prolific seed producer and fast-growing nitrogen-fixing shrub, it has the potential to spread beyond cultivation, invade disturbed habitats, and alter soil conditions in ways that can favor other invasive species while displacing native vegetation. It is potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu, indicating that its distribution may continue to expand. Because of these characteristics, Tephrosia candida could negatively impact tropical island ecosystems if allowed to spread. Where possible, choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping or soil improvement. In areas where white tephrosia is already widespread, avoid planting it in or near natural areas and manage existing populations to help prevent further spread into uninvaded habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized widely across the tropics
  
• Naturalized on Maui; potentially naturalizing on O'ahu.
  
• Broad climate tolerance (altitude, rainfall, soil pH, fertility)
  
• Repeatedly introduced outside native range
  
• Congeneric weed (T. uniflora)
  
• Unpalatable to livestock
  
• Host for legume pod borer (Maruca vitrata)
  
• Tolerates shade and poor soils
  
• Produces viable seed; reproduces by seed
  
• Intentionally spread by people
  
• Persistent seed bank (hard-coated seeds)
  
• Regrows rapidly after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic to humans/animals
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Seeds not wind-, bird-, or animal-dispersed externally
  
• Not a produce contaminant
  
• Not highly prolific (modest seed output)