Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Entada burkei, commonly known as broad-pod or elephant root, is a woody climbing vine native to southern and eastern Africa. It grows as a vigorous liana that can scramble over trees and shrubs, producing long, woody seed pods that contain large, hard seeds. The plant has compound leaves and can form dense tangles as it climbs through surrounding vegetation. In its native range, Entada burkei is valued in traditional medicine, where parts of the plant have been used for a variety of cultural remedies. The large, durable seeds are sometimes used for crafts or ornaments, and the plant may occasionally be cultivated as a curiosity due to its impressive pods and climbing habit.

Risks & Threats:
Currently, Entada burkei is considered a low-risk species for Hawaii. It is not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands and there is little evidence that it spreads aggressively outside of cultivation. While it is a vigorous climber, it has not shown the ability to invade natural areas or displace native vegetation in regions where it has been introduced. As with any non-native plant, responsible planting and monitoring are recommended, but available information suggests this species is unlikely to pose a significant threat to Hawaii’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Can grow in tropical and subtropical climates
  
• Other Elephantorrhiza species are regarded as weeds
  
• N-fixing (may alter soil chemistry)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity and intentionally by people
  
• Hard seeds may form a persistent seed bank
  
• Limited ecological information limits accuracy of risk prediction

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
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Relatively large pods and seeds may limit risk of accidental or long-distance dispersal