Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Myroxylon balsamum, commonly known as balsam of Peru or balsam of Tolu, is a tropical tree native to a wide range extending from Mexico through Central America into northern South America. It is an evergreen species that can grow into a medium to large tree with a straight trunk, dense crown, and aromatic resinous bark. The tree produces a fragrant balsam (resin) that has long been valued for its sweet, vanilla-like scent and is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, incense, and traditional medicinal preparations. Its wood is also dense and durable, sometimes used locally for specialty timber and fuel.

Risks & Threats
Although Myroxylon balsamum is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its ability to produce abundant seeds, tolerate a range of tropical conditions, and persist in disturbed habitats suggests it could potentially establish if introduced. In other tropical regions, species with similar traits have shown the capacity to spread beyond cultivation and compete with native vegetation. If it were to become established in Hawaiʻi, it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems by altering habitat structure and competing with native plant communities. For these reasons, caution is recommended, and choosing a low-risk or native alternative is encouraged whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka and elsewhere (but no evidence in the Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• An environmental weed in Sri Lanka, reducing diversity in native forest
  
• Resin can cause an allergic reaction
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms monotypic stands in Sri Lanka
  
• N-fixing (can modify soil chemistry)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-pollinating
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, water and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 5+ years
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control