Family: Fabaceae
Albizia adianthifolia, commonly known as flat crown or West African albizia, is a fast-growing tree native to tropical and southern Africa. It is often planted as an ornamental shade tree because of its wide, flat-topped crown and feathery foliage, which provide cooling canopy cover. In its native range, this tree also plays an ecological role by improving soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and supporting local wildlife with its flowers and seeds. Its graceful form and rapid growth make it attractive for landscaping, parks, and roadsides.
However, like many members of the Albizia genus, A. adianthifolia has traits that raise concern in Hawaiʻi and other tropical islands. It is capable of producing many seeds, grows quickly, and may spread into disturbed areas. Similar to the invasive Falcataria moluccana (albizia) already problematic in Hawaiʻi, this species has the potential to become a serious ecological threat if it escapes cultivation. Careful monitoring and responsible planting are necessary to prevent negative impacts on native forests and watersheds.
High Risk Traits:
- Suited to tropical/subtropical climates.
- Broad environmental tolerance (soil, fire, shade, frost).
- Naturalized outside native range, including the island of O'ahu
- Documented as a disturbance weed and bush encroacher.
- Congeneric species (Albizia julibrissin) is invasive.
- Nitrogen-fixing, altering soil chemistry.
- Produces viable seeds.
- Capable of natural hybridization.
- Wind-dispersed seeds.
- Tolerates mutilation (e.g., coppicing).
Low Risk Traits:
- Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
- Not allelopathic or parasitic.
- Palatable to livestock and wildlife.
- No significant toxicity evidence from casual contact.
- No natural vegetative spread.
