Family: Bignoniaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Dolichandrone spathacea (mangrove trumpet-tree) is a small to medium-sized coastal tree native to tropical coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia, southern China, eastern India and Sri Lanka, extending through Malesia and into northern Australia and many western Pacific islands. It naturally grows along shorelines, estuaries, and at the edges of mangroves, where it tolerates salty soils and occasional flooding. This eye-catching tree is best known for its large, fragrant, white to pale pink trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom at night and drop by morning, often carpeting the ground beneath the tree. Long, slender seed pods add additional ornamental interest. Because of its showy flowers and salt tolerance, mangrove trumpet-tree is sometimes planted in coastal landscapes. In parts of its native range, it has also been used in traditional medicine and for light wood products.
Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, Dolichandrone spathacea is considered Low Risk. Although it produces viable seeds and is adapted to coastal environments, there is no evidence that it spreads aggressively or disrupts native ecosystems in the islands. It is not known to form dense stands or outcompete native shoreline vegetation. As with any non-native species, planting near sensitive coastal habitats should be done thoughtfully to avoid unintended spread. However, based on current knowledge, mangrove trumpet-tree does not demonstrate invasive tendencies in Hawaiʻi and is not known to pose significant ecological threats at this time.
High Risk Traits:
- Climate match: Highly suited to tropical climates.
- Water-dispersed: Seeds have corky wings adapted for dispersal by ocean currents and tides.
- High fecundity: Produces very numerous seeds.
Low Risk Traits:
- No weed history: No evidence of naturalization or weedy behavior anywhere.
- No negative traits: Lacks spines, toxicity, or allelopathic properties.
- Specialist pollinator: Requires hawkmoths for pollination
- Poor wind dispersal: Seeds poorly adapted for long-distance wind dispersal.
