Family: Fabaceae

Tylosema fassoglense (sprawling bauhinia, creeping bauhinia), is a perennial herb or shrub, with tuberous roots, native from Sudan and Ethiopia southwards to Namibia, Mozambique, and South Africa. It occurs up to 2100 m altitude in woodland and grassland, sometimes in cultivated areas, on poor, sandy soils, but is also found on rocky or clay soils. It is also moderately tolerant to flooding and drought. The immature and mature seeds and pods of Tylosema fassoglense can be eaten raw but are usually cooked or roasted. It is not currently documented to be naturalized or invasive outside its native range.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and can potentially spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Broad climate suitability
  
• Raw seeds and tubers may contain toxic constituents
  
• Tolerates many soil types (substrate unlikely to limit potential spread)
  
• Capable of producing climbing stems that could overtop other vegetation
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Seeds dispersed by dehiscent pods and intentional cultivation
  
• Resprouts after fire from tuberous roots

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasive or negative impacts where cultivated
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to animals
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Relatively large pods and seeds unlikely to be accidentally spread