Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Lonchocarpus punctatus (dotted lancepod, lilac tree) is a small to medium-sized tree in the legume family (Fabaceae) native to tropical regions of Mexico, Trinidad, Venezuela, and Colombia. It typically grows in warm, seasonally wet tropical climates and can develop into an upright tree with pinnate leaves and clusters of pink to lilac-colored flowers, followed by pod-like fruits. Like other members of its genus, it contributes to nitrogen fixation in soils, which can improve soil fertility in its native ecosystems. In its native range, it is primarily part of natural forest and woodland habitats, with limited documented ornamental or landscape use outside the tropics.

Risks & Threats
Although Lonchocarpus punctatus is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. As a fast-growing tropical tree in the legume family, it may have the potential to establish and spread in warm island environments if introduced, particularly in disturbed habitats where nitrogen-fixing species can gain a competitive advantage. While there are currently no reports of it becoming invasive, species with similar characteristics have shown the ability to naturalize and alter plant communities in tropical regions. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, and caution is recommended to ensure it does not escape cultivation or become established in sensitive habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in the Florida Keys
  
• Poisonous
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• N-fixing (may alter soil chemistry)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seed pods possibly dispersed by wind
  
• Gaps in the ecological information limit accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No negative impacts documented to date
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Ornamental and medicinal uses
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively