Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Parkia timoriana, commonly known as tree bean, is a large tropical tree native from the eastern Himalayas through Southeast Asia to New Guinea. It is a fast-growing member of the legume family with a broad canopy, feathery compound leaves, and distinctive hanging flower heads that develop into long seed pods. In parts of Asia, the pods and seeds are eaten as a vegetable or seasoning, and the tree is also valued for shade, soil improvement, erosion control, and agroforestry plantings. Its attractive form and ecological benefits have also led to its occasional use as an ornamental or reforestation species in tropical regions.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaii, Parkia timoriana is naturalized and possesses traits that are cause for concern. As a large, adaptable tropical tree that produces abundant seeds, it may have the potential to spread into disturbed areas or compete with native vegetation under favorable conditions. Like many fast-growing legumes, it may also alter soil conditions through nitrogen fixation, potentially affecting surrounding ecosystems. Although its impacts in Hawaii are still being evaluated, ongoing assessment is needed, and caution is recommended to help ensure that this species does not negatively impact Hawaii’s native ecosystems and tropical island environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii Island and Puerto Rico
  
• Described as an aggressive colonizer
  
• Tolerates shade
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, mammals and intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Orthodox seeds possess physical dormancy and may form a persistent seed bank (longevity in soil unknown)
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Seeds with edible and medicinal uses
  
• Ornamental
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 6-10 years
  
• Relatively large pods and seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed