https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/8652
Bauhinia tomentosa is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that has been introduced outside its native range to be used principally as an ornamental (USDA-ARS, 2015). It has escaped from cultivation and successfully established in a wide variety of habitats such as disturbed sites, roadsides, coastal forests, riverine forests and thickets (PROTA, 2015). Species traits such as the high production of seeds, a high germination rate, and the ability to grow in shade or in sunny areas are factors enabling the establishment and colonization of this species into new areas (Orwa et al., 2009; PROTA, 2015). Once established, it grows displacing native vegetation (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012). Currently, B. tomentosa is listed as invasive only in Cuba (Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012) but it is widely cultivated and naturalized across the West Indies (Broome et al., 2007; Acevedo and Strong, 2012).