Family: Fabaceae

Phanera vahlii, also known as malu creeper or camel’s foot climber, is a massive, fast-growing woody vine native to the Himalayan foothills and parts of South Asia. It is easily recognized by its huge, twin-lobed leaves that resemble a camel’s foot. This vigorous climber uses tendrils to scramble over the tops of trees and structures. Traditionally, its large leaves are used as natural plates, its bark for making strong rope, and its seeds as a food source. It is also sometimes planted as a quick-growing ornamental screen.

Despite its uses, Phanera vahlii is a high-risk species for tropical regions like Hawaiʻi due to its aggressive, smothering growth habit. It can quickly climb over and shade out native trees and vegetation, leading to their decline. This species is considered a problematic weed in forestry in its native range, where it damages healthy trees. It is difficult to control because it readily resprouts after being cut down and produces viable seeds. For these reasons, it poses a significant threat to native Hawaiian ecosystems and is not recommended for planting.

High Risk Traits:

• Environmental versatility (wide elevation range)
  
• Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Climbing or smothering growth habit
  
• Nitrogen-fixing woody plant
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates mutilation (resprouts after cutting)
  
• Rapid vegetative regeneration (coppices)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• Not an environmental weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• No wind, water, bird, or external animal dispersal
  
• Not a prolific seed producer