Family: Fabaceae
Origin, Description & Uses:
Kennedia nigricans, commonly known as black coral-pea or black-bean, is a vigorous twining vine native to southwestern regions of Australia. This fast-growing plant is valued for its striking ornamental appeal, producing glossy green foliage and dramatic clusters of deep black to dark maroon, pea-like flowers. It is often used in gardens as a groundcover, climber on trellises or fences, or for erosion control due to its dense growth habit. As a member of the legume family, it can also contribute to soil improvement through nitrogen fixation, making it useful in certain landscaping and restoration settings.
Risks & Threats:
Although Kennedia nigricans is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its rapid growth, ability to spread across large areas, and tolerance of a range of environmental conditions suggest it could potentially outcompete native vegetation if it escapes cultivation. Like many vigorous vines, it may smother surrounding plants and alter habitat structure. Caution is recommended when planting this species to ensure that it does not spread beyond intended areas or negatively impact Hawaii’s ecosystems, and ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its potential risks.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized outside native range within Australia
- Regarded as weedy and aggressive where naturalized and cultivated in Australia
- Related species have become invasive
- Shade-tolerant
- Tolerates many soil types
- Smothering growth habit
- Reproduces by seeds
- Seeds dispersed by ants, possibly water and intentionally by people
- Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank
- May be able to resprout after cutting or pruning
- Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to browsing animals
- Non-toxic
- Ornamental
