Family: Combretaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Terminalia ivorensis, commonly known as black afara or idigbo, is a large, fast-growing tropical hardwood tree native to West Tropical Africa, from Guinea eastward to Cameroon. It typically reaches 100–150 feet (30–45 m) in height and develops a tall, straight trunk with a broad, spreading crown. The tree is widely valued for its pale, durable timber, which is used for construction, furniture, flooring, veneer, plywood, cabinetry, and boat building. It is also planted as a shade tree, ornamental, and for reforestation and agroforestry projects in tropical regions because of its rapid growth and adaptability.

Risks & Threats
Although Terminalia ivorensis is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several characteristics associated with invasive plants, including rapid growth, abundant seed production, and the ability to establish in disturbed habitats. In favorable tropical climates, these traits could allow it to spread beyond cultivation, compete with native vegetation, and alter the structure and function of sensitive island ecosystems. Because of these potential risks, this species is considered a cause for concern for Hawaiʻi and other tropical islands. When selecting trees for landscaping, forestry, or restoration projects, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Puerto Rico
  
• Congeneric (T. catappa) is invasive elsewhere
  
• Broad climate and soil tolerance
  
• Widely introduced intentionally for timber
  
• Wind-dispersed winged seeds
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Coppices and suckers (vegetative reproduction)
  
• Fast-growing
  
• Benefits from pruning and colonizes abandoned farmland

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported as a weed in any category
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No toxicity to humans or animals
  
• Light-demanding (shade-intolerant)
  
• Self-incompatible (requires cross-pollination)
  
• Low germination rates (10–50%)
  
• Not prolifically seeding (no evidence of >1000/m²)
  
• No persistent seed bank (recalcitrant seeds)
  
• Susceptible to seed-eating weevils