Family: Fabaceae

Mezoneuron latisiliquum (syn. Caesalpinia latisiliqua) is a climbing woody vine or small tree in the legume family (Fabaceae) native to Southeast Asia and parts of Malesia. It can reach up to 20 meters in length, featuring distinctive recurved spines on its stems and leaf stalks that help it scramble over other vegetation. It produces showy flowers and large, flat, winged seed pods. While not widely cultivated, it has been planted in some regions, such as Hawaii, as a barrier plant along fences due to its dense, thorny growth.

Despite some intentional use, Mezoneuron latisiliquum poses a potential invasion risk, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates like Hawaiʻi. Its ability to form dense, impenetrable thickets and climb over trees and shrubs can smother native plants and disrupt forest regeneration. The plant is related to known invasive species like Caesalpinia decapetala, suggesting it could become a similar problem. While not currently reported as widely naturalized, its thorny structure, nitrogen-fixing capability, and intentional planting mean it should be approached with caution to prevent it from becoming a future environmental weed.