Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Paraserianthes lophantha subsp. montana, commonly known as mountain albizia, is native to Sumatra, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and southwestern Australia. This fast-growing tree is valued in some regions for ornamental planting, shade, windbreaks, erosion control, and soil improvement because of its nitrogen-fixing ability. It produces feathery, fern-like foliage and creamy-yellow bottlebrush flowers that attract pollinators. The species has adapted well to a range of environmental conditions, particularly in disturbed areas and wetter upland habitats. In Hawaiʻi, mountain albizia has become naturalized on Kauaʻi and Maui.

Risks & Threats
Mountain albizia is considered a high risk species because it possesses traits associated with invasive behavior, including rapid growth, prolific seed production, and the ability to spread into disturbed and natural ecosystems. As a nitrogen-fixing tree, it can alter soil chemistry and potentially change native plant communities, giving competitive advantages to other invasive species. Dense growth may suppress native vegetation and interfere with forest regeneration in tropical island ecosystems. Because this species is already naturalized in Hawaiʻi and could detrimentally impact sensitive habitats, caution is strongly advised. When suitable options are available, choosing low risk or native alternatives is recommended to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range (Sicily, California, Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, Australia)
  
• Environmental weed (forms dense stands, shades out natives, invades riparian/bushland)
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils
  
• Nitrogen-fixing (alters soil nutrients)
  
• Fast-growing, flowers within 2 years
  
• Produces huge, long-lived seed bank (>1 year, up to 8-10 years)
  
• Dispersed by birds, ants, water, contaminated soil, garden waste, and intentional planting
  
• Benefits from fire (germinates profusely post-fire)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not shade-tolerant
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• No vegetative fragmentation or wind dispersal
  
• Well-controlled by herbicides (glyphosate)