Family: Fabaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Ormosia monosperma, commonly known as necklace tree or bead tree, is a small to medium-sized tropical tree native to the Lesser Antilles and Trinidad. It is valued for its attractive glossy foliage and striking bright red seeds, which are often used in jewelry, crafts, and decorative arrangements. The tree produces clusters of small flowers followed by woody seed pods that reveal the colorful beads inside. Because of its ornamental appeal and unusual seeds, it is sometimes cultivated in tropical gardens and landscapes.
Risks & Threats
Although Ormosia monosperma is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its attractive seeds may be spread by people or potentially transported by water or animals, increasing the possibility of escape from cultivation. Species in the genus may also establish in warm tropical environments similar to Hawaii. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could negatively impact Hawaii’s ecosystems if introduced more widely. Caution is recommended when planting or distributing this species to help prevent unintended spread.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Elevation distribution exceeds 1000 m in native range
- Nitrogen fixing tree can alter soil nutrients and chemistry
- Mimetic seeds may potentially be bird-dispersed
- Hard-coated seeds may form a persistent seed bank
Low Risk Traits:
- No records of naturalization or weediness elsewhere
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Landscaping and ornamental value
- Bright red seeds are used in necklaces
- Relatively large pods and seeds unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed
