Family: Sapindaceae

Origin, Description & Uses

Cupaniopsis anacardioides (carrotwood, tuckeroo) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to eastern Australia. It has a dense, rounded canopy with glossy, dark green leaves made up of several leaflets. In late summer and fall, it produces clusters of small yellow-green flowers followed by bright orange seed capsules that split open to reveal shiny black seeds. Because of its attractive foliage, tolerance of wind and salt spray, and adaptability to a range of soils, carrotwood has been widely planted as a shade tree, street tree, and coastal landscape ornamental in warm climates.

Risks, Threats & Management

In Hawai‘i, carrotwood is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui. It produces abundant seeds that are readily spread by birds and can germinate in a variety of conditions, allowing it to establish beyond cultivated areas. Its dense growth can shade out native plants and alter forest structure, particularly in coastal and lowland environments. These traits are cause for concern, as they could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if the species continues to spread. Because carrotwood is already naturalized and shows invasive tendencies, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative better suited to protecting Hawai‘i’s unique natural areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu and Maui, Hawaiian Islands, as well as Florida
  
• Environmental weed in Florida (displaces native vegetation)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, possibly water and intentionally by people
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting and fire

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock (palatable despite reports of toxicity)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Reaches maturity in 5 years
  
• Seeds lack physical dormancy (no reports of persistent seed banks)
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control