Seedling mortality is higher in older fallows and plant vigour decreases after 5 years. Thus the duration of fallows will greatly affect the local abundance of C. odorata . In an Indian monsoon forest C. odorata regenerated freely in selection-felling gaps but was absent from treefall gaps in undisturbed forest. In slash and burn rice cultivation in Ivory Coast forests the fields, if cultivated for only one year, will quickly be filled with pioneer trees after abandonment whereas after 3 years C. odorata will become dominant. Most seed dispersal is local, however, as the seeds have small spines and can cling to fur, feathers and clothes, long distance dispersal is possible.
Seeds can also travel great distances with contaminated crop plants or vehicles.
In Australia dispersal appear to have also included water, cattle, horses, feral pigs and sugar cane harvesting equipment. No time-lag has been reported. Site and climate Distribution limited by rainfall but no absolute minimum exist. The species does not appear to have special soil requirements. Floristic region and vegetation types Associated with local weeds or secondary vegetation of disturbed areas.