Family: Fabaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Schotia latifolia, commonly known as bush boer-bean or forest boer-bean, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to southern Africa. It is valued as an ornamental tree for its attractive dense canopy, glossy green leaves, and clusters of showy pink to red flowers that attract birds and other pollinators. The tree is often planted in gardens, parks, and streetscapes as a shade tree and for its decorative qualities. It is also used in habitat restoration and agroforestry projects within its native range due to its adaptability and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.
Risks & Threats
Although Schotia latifolia is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that warrant further evaluation. Its attractive fruits may be dispersed by birds or other animals, potentially aiding its spread beyond cultivation. The species is adaptable to a range of environmental conditions and may establish in suitable habitats if introduced more widely. At present, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether it could become invasive in Hawaiʻi, but these characteristics are cause for concern. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems, and caution is recommended when considering its use in the landscape.
High Risk Traits:
- Found in tropical climates
- Flammable thicket species in native range
- Reproduces by seed
- Hybridizes with other Schotia species
- Seeds dispersed by birds, monkeys, ants and intentionally by people
- Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Palatable to grazing animals
- Seeds edible to humans
- Ornamental
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
