Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Serianthes kanehirae (ukall) is a large, fast-growing flowering tree native to the Caroline Islands of Micronesia. It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae) and can reach impressive heights, developing a broad canopy that provides shade and habitat. The tree produces compound leaves and clusters of small, pale flowers followed by long seed pods. In its native range, ukall has been valued as a timber tree, with wood used for construction, carving, and other practical purposes. It is also occasionally planted as an ornamental or shade tree in tropical landscapes due to its attractive form and rapid growth.

Risks & Threats:
Although Serianthes kanehirae is reported as potentially naturalizing on Kauaʻi, current evidence suggests it poses a relatively low invasive risk in Hawaiʻi. The species has not demonstrated the aggressive spread, ecosystem disruption, or dense stand formation associated with many invasive trees. However, because it is capable of reproducing outside cultivation, continued observation is warranted to ensure its behavior remains benign. Landowners and landscapers should monitor planted trees for unexpected spread into nearby natural areas, but at present, ukall is considered a low-risk species suitable for use where its size and growth characteristics are appropriate.

High Risk Traits:

• Potentially naturalizing on Kaua'i
  
• Native to tropical climates (Palau/Yap)
  
• Likely self-compatible (as in related species)
  
• Flowers within 2 years (rapid generational time)
  
• Nitrogen-fixing (Fabaceae family)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not weedy
  
• No spines, thorns, burrs, toxins, or allelopathic properties
  
• Likely palatable to browsing herbivores
  
• No fire hazard or dense thicket formation
  
• Poor dispersal: gravity-dispersed (large pods/seeds); no wind, bird, or external animal dispersal
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Low seed production (2–7 seeds per pod)