Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Pseudosamanea guachapele is a fast-growing tropical tree native to southern Mexico through Central America and into Ecuador. It is valued for its broad, spreading canopy, fern-like foliage, and attractive form, making it a popular shade and ornamental tree in warm climates. The tree can grow quite large and is often planted in parks, along roadsides, and in agroforestry systems. Its durable wood is sometimes used for construction, furniture, and fencing, while the tree also helps improve soil quality through nitrogen fixation.

Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk for Hawaii. While it grows vigorously in tropical environments, there is little evidence that it spreads aggressively or causes significant ecological impacts where it is cultivated. Like many large shade trees, it may produce abundant leaf litter and require adequate space away from buildings or infrastructure. With proper placement and routine management, chime tree can provide shade and landscape value without posing major invasive concerns.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (Mexico to Bolivia, up to 1200 m)
  
• Nitrogen-fixing woody plant
  
• Produces viable, prolific seed (22,000–30,000/kg; >1000/m²)
  
• Persistent seed bank (>1 year)
  
• Tolerates cutting, fire, and mutilation
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (agroforestry, shade, fodder)
  
• Wind- and water-dispersed propagules
  
• Tolerates poor, rocky, shallow, infertile soils
  
• Fast-growing and drought-tolerant

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized outside native range
  
• No evidence of weediness (garden, agricultural, environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, burrs, or toxicity
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or fire-promoting
  
• Shade intolerant (requires light)
  
• No natural vegetative reproduction
  
• Not bird-dispersed or externally animal-dispersed
  
• Likely controllable with herbicides