Family: Zygophyllaceae
Plectrocarpa arborea (Maracaibo lignum vitae, verawood) is a tropical hardwood tree native to northern South America, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. It is slow-growing and prized for its extremely dense, heavy, and naturally oily wood, which ranges from golden brown to dark olive. These natural oils make the wood highly resistant to decay, insects, and water, leading to its traditional use in shipbuilding, industrial bearings, tool handles, and other high-durability applications. In warm climates, it is occasionally grown as an ornamental or shade tree because of its sturdy structure and attractive, long-lasting wood.
This species is currently considered low risk for invasiveness and is not known to aggressively spread or naturalize outside of cultivation. However, as with any non-native tree, it should be planted and monitored responsibly, especially in Hawaiʻi’s sensitive ecosystems. While the risk of ecological harm appears low, thoughtful placement and ongoing care help ensure it remains a beneficial landscape tree without unintended impacts on native plants or habitats.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows in tropical climates
- Tolerates many soil types
- Reproduces by seeds
- Self-compatible
- Seeds dispersed by wind and intentionally by people
- Tolerates repeated pruning (possibly indicating that mechanical control, if needed, would not be effective without herbicide applications)
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Provides fodder for goats and other livestock
- Shade-intolerant
- Does not hybridize
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- Long time to reproductive maturity (7-13 years)
