Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Flemingia strobilifera (wild hops) is a tropical Asian shrub now naturalized in Hawaiʻi. It has cone-like flowers, trifoliate leaves, and a bushy growth. It is used ornamentally, for soil improvement, and in traditional medicine.

Risks & Threats:
Although Flemingia strobilifera is naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern, such as the ability to spread and establish in disturbed areas. It may compete with native vegetation and alter habitat structure if left unmanaged. While impacts in Hawaiʻi are still being evaluated, caution is recommended when planting or managing this species to ensure it does not negatively impact local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Maui
  
• Invasive History: Invasive in French Polynesia
  
• Agricultural Weed: Invades pastures and disturbed areas
  
• Forms Dense Thickets: Displaces native vegetation
  
• Prolific Seeder: High seed output
  
• Climate Match: Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Nitrogen-Fixing: Alters soil chemistry
  
• Pest Host: Susceptible to nematodes
  
• Intentional Dispersal: Planted as ornamental

Low Risk Traits:

• No Spines/Thorns
  
• Non-Toxic
  
• No Vegetative Reproduction