Family: Bignoniaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Tecoma fulva subsp. guarume is a small tree or large shrub native to the dry valleys and arid slopes of southwestern Peru. It is well adapted to hot, drought-prone environments and produces attractive clusters of bright yellow, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its finely divided foliage and long flowering season make it a popular ornamental for xeriscapes, water-wise gardens, and landscape plantings in warm climates. Its tolerance of drought and poor soils also makes it useful for erosion control and restoration projects in dry regions.

Risks & Threats
Tecoma fulva subsp. guarume is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. There is no evidence that it has become invasive or caused significant environmental impacts where it has been introduced. The subspecies does not appear to spread aggressively, and its reproduction and dispersal are generally limited. As with any non-native plant, it should be monitored when cultivated near natural areas, but current evidence indicates it poses little risk to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and is unlikely to become a problematic invasive species under typical landscape conditions.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric (T. stans) is a noxious weed in Australia
  
• Repeated introductions outside native range (US Southwest, Australia)
  
• Tolerates partial shade
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Intentionally spread by people as an ornamental
  
• Wind-dispersed winged seeds

Low Risk Traits:

• No known naturalization outside native range
  
• Not reported as any type of weed
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to humans or animals
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Requires specialist hummingbird pollinators
  
• Low seed production (large seeds, not numerous)
  
• Narrow soil pH tolerance (mildly acidic to alkaline)