Family: Bignoniaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet, kampong, midnight horror) is native to southern China and tropical regions of Asia, where it grows in forests and along disturbed areas. It is a fast-growing, medium to large deciduous tree known for its striking appearance, including very large, divided compound leaves and unusual night-blooming flowers that are often pollinated by bats or moths. The tree produces long, flat, sword-like seed pods that hang dramatically from the branches. In its native range, it is widely valued as an ornamental species for its unique form and is also used in traditional medicine and cultural practices.
Risks & Threats
Although Oroxylum indicum is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. These include its ability to grow quickly, produce large numbers of wind-dispersed seeds, and establish in disturbed habitats—characteristics that can contribute to invasive behavior in tropical environments. In other regions, it has shown the potential to spread beyond intended plantings under favorable conditions. Because of these traits, caution is recommended, and ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand whether it could negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems in the future.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Tolerates shade at younger growth stages
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds, by suckering and coppicing
- Seeds dispersed by wind, water and people
- Rapid growth rate
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Ornamental, medicinal and edible uses
- Requires specialized pollinators (fruit-bats)
- Self-incompatible
- Seed set is low
