Family: Fabaceae

A small tree with a densely packed, vase-shaped crown. 

Utility friendly, it won’t grow above 15 feet. It is somewhat slow growing but can thrive in most environments in Hawaii. As a pioneer species, it is a nitrogen fixer that does best with full sun conditions. It profusely blooms yellow flowers in the Springtime, although it is short-lived. It is wind tolerant, low maintenance, and drops little to no rubbish. 

It is valued in its native land of South America for medicine and wood products.

Germination by seed takes place within 50 days. Seeds that are older than six months should be scarified before sowing.

Plant Uses:

• Hedge
• Medicinal
• Nitrogen fixer
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Windbreak
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (Mexico to Brazil)
  
• Nitrogen-fixing woody plant
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds (winged pods)
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (planted for timber/windbreaks)
  
• Resprouts vigorously after damage or fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized elsewhere
  
• No evidence of weedy behavior (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic
  
• Palatable to grazing animals
  
• Seeds not dispersed unintentionally, as contaminants, or by birds/animals
  
• Low seed production (<1000/m²)