Family: Fabaceae

Cabbage tree is a large tree with a spreading crown. It is single-stemmed, has peeling bark, and grows up to 100 feet. Purple-lilac flowers fill the canopy of glossy green leaves, an essential source of nectar when in bloom. It flowers sporadically in Hawaii. 

Cabbage tree has an extensive native range from Central America to South America. It provides food, medicine, and shade, but the bark and seeds contain some toxins.  A riparian species, it usually grows along rivers. It thrives in the shade, and it fixes nitrogen.

In cultivation, it’s vital to have moisture-retentive soil. In general, it’s a fast-growing and low maintenance tree. 

Propagation is by seed. Vegetative reproduction is also successful.

Plant Uses:

• Erosion control
• Medicinal
• Nitrogen fixer
• Ornamental
• Shade
• Specimen
• Windbreak
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• Toxic to humans

High Risk Traits:

• Toxic to livestock and humans (bark, seeds, wood)
  
• History of introduction outside native range (ornamental planting)
  
• Congeneric weed (Andira humilis is a known weed)
  
• Shade-tolerant at some life stages
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types
  
• Nitrogen-fixing capability
  
• Seeds dispersed by bats

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not self-compatible; requires cross-pollination
  
• Slow maturation (≥4 years to reproduce)
  
• Large fruit unlikely for accidental dispersal
  
• Low seed production (large fruit size)
  
• No persistent seed bank
  
• Recalcitrant seeds (cannot be stored)