Family: Vochysiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Vochysia guatemalensis is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Central America, including regions such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. It is a tall, emergent forest tree that can develop a straight trunk and broad crown, with large, simple leaves and clusters of bright yellow flowers that are attractive to pollinators. In its native range, it is valued for its relatively rapid growth and straight-grained wood. It has been used in forestry and reforestation plantings, as well as for timber, veneer, plywood production, and as a shade tree in agroforestry systems.

Risks & Threats:
Although Vochysia guatemalensis is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. Its fast growth, ability to thrive in wet tropical environments, and use in plantation forestry suggest potential to establish and spread under suitable conditions. In similar climates, species with these characteristics can sometimes escape cultivation and compete with native vegetation, particularly in disturbed or lowland wet forest areas. Caution is recommended to ensure it does not negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, and ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could become invasive or otherwise affect native biodiversity in the islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Another species, Vochysia divergens, has become a weed of cattle ranches within its native range in Brazil
  
• Shade-tolerant when younger (although described as light-demanding)
  
• Forms monospecific stands within native range
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible, and possibly autogamous
  
• Seeds are wind-dispersed, and intentionally cultivated within native range
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• No toxicity reported
  
• Valued as a source of timber and restoration within native range
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity from 4-6 years to as long as 12-13 years
  
• Seeds do not store well and will not form a persistent seed bank