Family: Fabaceae
Acrocarpus fraxinifolius (pink-cedar, shingle tree) is a deciduous tree native to tropical and temperate Asia. It is used as a shade tree in coffee plantations in India. The timber has many woodworking uses, such as furniture, cabinets, general construction, tea crates, and much more. The species also provides food for the endangered lion-tailed macaque when other fruit is scarce. It is reported to be naturalized in East Africa and reported to be an environmental weed there, several hundred trees were planted in Oʻahu forest reserves in 1931, but it has not been reported to be naturalized to date. This tree forms dense stands, shading out native species. It grows extremely rapidly, from 4.2 to 9.8 feet a year and creates numerous winged seeds that can travel far distances. It also has a smothering habit and will climb and strangle other trees.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized and reported to be an environmental weed in East Africa
- May compete with crops
- Shade tolerant when young
- Reported to form dense stands in Africa
- Reproduces by wind-dispersed seed pods
- Autogamous (capable of self-fertilization)
- Seeds may persist in soil for one year (and possibly longer)
- Coppices vigorously after cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- Several hundred trees planted in Oahu forest reserves in 1931, but not reported to be naturalized to date
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Non-toxic
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Reaches maturity in 7 to 9 years
