Family: Fabaceae

Libidibia ferrea, commonly known as Brazilian ironwood, is a striking tree native to northeastern Brazil. It is admired for its smooth, mottled bark, dense canopy, and attractive yellow flowers that appear in clusters. This slow-growing hardwood species is widely planted in tropical and subtropical regions as a durable ornamental shade tree. In its home range, Brazilian ironwood is valued for its exceptionally strong wood—used in construction, furniture, and crafts—as well as for traditional medicinal purposes. Its resilience, beauty, and long lifespan make it a popular landscaping choice in warm climates.

In Hawaiʻi, Libidibia ferrea is not known to be invasive, and there is no strong evidence of negative environmental impacts at this time. However, like many hardy, drought-tolerant species that produce viable seeds, it possesses traits that could allow it to spread if conditions are favorable. Continued monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not naturalize or outcompete native vegetation. For now, Brazilian ironwood appears to pose low risk, but awareness and responsible planting are encouraged.

High Risk Traits:

• High tropical/subtropical climate match
  
• Congeneric species are invasive weeds
  
• Nitrogen-fixing ability
  
• Produces viable seeds (>60% germination)
  
• Intentionally dispersed via ornamental trade
  
• Persistent seed bank (>1 year)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not domesticated or naturalized
  
• No weedy history
  
• No spines, thorns, or toxins
  
• Not shade-tolerant
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Slow maturation (4+ years)
  
• Limited unintentional or natural dispersal
  
• Low seed production