Family: Fabaceae

Libidibia coriaria (syn. Caesalpinia coriaria), commonly known as cascalote, dibidibi, or divi-divi, is a small, spreading tree native to the dry tropical regions of the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Recognized for its twisted seedpods, delicate bipinnate leaves, and bright yellow blooms, it is often used as a drought-tolerant ornamental, shade tree, or windbreak. The pods are traditionally valued for tannin production, and the species is well adapted to hot, dry environments, making it appealing for landscaping in arid settings.

Although Libidibia coriaria is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess several traits that are cause for concern, including drought tolerance, hardiness, and the ability to grow in disturbed, low-rainfall environments. These characteristics suggest it could establish in suitable habitats if introduced more widely. At present, there is no evidence of invasiveness in the islands, but further evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could present ecological impacts in Hawaiʻi’s dryland ecosystems. Monitoring and cautious planting are recommended.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Mauritius and perhaps elsewhere
  
• Other Caesalpinia species have become invasive
  
• Low palatability
  
• Reportedly toxic to animals
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms pure stands in native range
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity, possibly birds and animals and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds with physical dormancy, and able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of detrimental impacts in natural or managed ecosystems
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Source of tannins
  
• Ornamental
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity after 5-7 years
  
• Indehiscent pods make inadvertent seed dispersal unlikely