Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Schizolobium parahyba (Brazilian firetree, guapiruvu, parica) is native to a broad region from southern Mexico through Central America and into tropical South America. It is a striking, fast-growing tropical tree that can reach very large sizes in a relatively short time. The tree has a tall, straight trunk and a broad, umbrella-like crown of finely divided, fern-like leaves that create a light, airy canopy. It produces showy yellow flowers followed by large, flat seed pods. In its native and introduced ranges, it is commonly used as a fast-growing shade tree, for ornamental landscaping, and in timber and reforestation systems due to its rapid growth and ability to establish quickly on open sites.

Risks & Threats
Although Schizolobium parahyba is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its extremely fast growth, large mature size, and ability to produce abundant seeds can allow it to dominate disturbed landscapes and outcompete slower-growing native vegetation in tropical environments. In other parts of the world, species with similar characteristics have shown the ability to spread beyond planting sites, particularly in warm climates with seasonal rainfall and open habitats. As a result, there is potential for this species to negatively impact tropical island ecosystems if it were to become established. When possible, choosing low-risk or Hawaiian native trees is recommended as a safer alternative for restoration, forestry, and landscaping projects.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range ca. 2000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Brazil, outside natural range, as well as in Southern Africa, Puerto Rico and possibly Tanzania
  
• Disturbance adapted
  
• Potential landscaping hazard (branches fall easily in wind)
  
• Invasive in Brazil, reducing native diversity
  
• Grows on many soil types
  
• Forms dense populations in areas
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, and intentionally planted by people
  
• Seeds form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting and pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Light demanding (may not invade dense, intact forest)
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 6 to 8 years
  
• Seeds relatively large and unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed