Family: Fabaceae
Albizia procera (white siris, karoi tree) is a fast growing semi-deciduous tree native to Southeast Asia and India. The tree is used for timber and fuels in Asia, Africa and the Americas. It is also used for light shade and firebreaks. Its wood can be used for cabinet, general furniture, construction, paper pup and much more.
It is reported to be naturalized in Puerto Rico and possibly Florida, and is potentially naturalizing on the island of Oʻahu. In Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, it aggressively invades abandoned farmlands, pastures, roadsides, and other heavily disturbed areas. Due to its aggressive growth, high drought tolerance, ability to tolerate many soil types and thrive in tropical climates, this plant is considered high risk.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized in Puerto Rico and possibly Florida
- Invades pastures and reduces productivity in Puerto Rico
- A potential environmental weed
- Other Albizia species have become invasive
- Tolerates many soil types
- Able to form pure stands in abandoned farms and pastures (Puerto Rico)
- Seeds dispersed by wind, possibly internally by animals feeding on pods and intentionally by people
- Seeds may persist in the soil and form a persistent seed bank
- Able to coppice and resprout after cutting
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Provides fodder for livestock
- Light-demanding (may not be able to invade intact forests)
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Will not produce seed densities in excess of 1000 seeds/m2
- Herbicides may provide effective control
