Family: Fabaceae
Gliricidia sepium (madre de cacao) is a fast-growing, small to medium-sized tree native to Central and South America. It is often used in agroforestry systems and is valuable in providing shade for crops and livestock. Its leaves can also be pruned and used as green manure, providing essential nutrients to the soil. Although it is reported to be locally naturalized on Hawaii island and may be regarded as moderately invasive in some locations where it has been cultivated, it is generally considered to have positive effects on environments where it has been introduced. In addition, reduced seed set due to possible pollinator and climatic limitations may minimize risk of accidental or long-distance dispersal and spread.
High Risk Traits:
- Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Naturalized on Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and elsewhere worldwide
- A weedy, disturbance-adapted tree regarded as invasive in a number of locations
- A potential environmental weed
- Potentially allelopathic
- Palatability may be low under certain conditions (but sometimes uses as a fodder plant)
- Potentially toxic to dogs, horses, and possibly other animals
- Tolerates many soil types
- Potentially capable of forming dense thickets
- Reproduces by seed
- Hybridizes with other species
- Reaches maturity in 6-24 months or longer
- Seeds dispersed by explosive dehiscence and intentionally by people
- Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank
- Able to coppice and tolerates repeated cutting and fires
Low Risk Traits:
- Despite naturalization and weediness, often cultivated intentionally and regarded as a desirable species
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- May be palatable
- Light-demanding (deep shade may inhibit spread)
- Self-incompatible
- Limited seed production in humid, non-seasonal environments may reduce risk of escape and spread
