Family: Arecaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis (synonym: Dypsis madagascariensis), commonly known as the Malagasy palm, is native to northern and western Madagascar, where it grows in dry forests and semi-deciduous woodlands. It is typically a solitary or occasionally clustering palm with slender, ringed trunks that can reach about 15–18 meters tall. The crown is composed of gracefully arching, feather-like (pinnate) leaves with many narrow leaflets. It produces small fruits that ripen to a dark color and may be dispersed by birds or other animals. This palm is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions as an ornamental due to its elegant form and tropical appearance. In its native range, parts of the palm have also been used locally, including edible palm hearts and durable wood for construction purposes.

Risks & Threats:
Although Chrysalidocarpus madagascariensis is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. These include production of fleshy fruits that may be spread by birds, adaptability to different soil types and moisture conditions, and suitability for cultivation in tropical climates similar to parts of Hawaii. Such characteristics are shared by some palms that have become invasive on tropical islands. At this time, further evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could establish outside cultivation and potentially impact Hawaii’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized elsewhere (Panama, Mauritius, Cook Islands)
  
• Environmental weed potential (invading forests in French Polynesia; eradication recommended)
  
• Actively introduced & cultivated widely as an ornamental
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds (including by introduced and endemic birds)
  
• Seeds survive gut passage (dispersed by lemurs; likely by birds)
  
• Broad soil tolerance (not particular about soil type if well-drained)
  
• Congeneric weed (Dypsis lutescens naturalizing elsewhere)
  
• Produces viable seed with high germination rate

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic (palm heart and fruits edible)
  
• Prefers full sun (limited shade tolerance)
  
• No vegetative reproduction (reproduces by seed only)
  
• Not a produce contaminant (fruits relatively large)
  
• Not wind-dispersed (fleshy fruits)