Family: Sapindaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Filicium decipiens, commonly known as fern tree or fern leaf, is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree valued for its dense, rounded canopy and finely divided, fern-like leaves that give it an attractive, soft texture. Because of its tidy growth habit and tolerance of pruning, it is widely planted as an ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical landscapes, including streetscapes, parks, and residential yards in Hawaiʻi.

Risks & Threats:
This species is naturalized on Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi, and is potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. Filicium decipiens produces abundant seeds that can be spread by birds and other animals, allowing it to establish beyond cultivation. Its ability to grow in a range of conditions and form dense canopies raises concerns about its potential to compete with native vegetation and alter local ecosystems. While not currently among the most aggressive invaders, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Caution is recommended when planting this species to ensure it does not spread into natural areas or negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Regarded as weedy, and a landscape nuisance, in the Hawaiian Islands, with potential negative impacts to native ecosystems
  
• Some people may be allergic to flowering trees
  
• Moderately shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Capable of forming monotypic stands in parts of native range
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animal, possibly by water and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization and reports of weediness, also regarded as a desirable street tree in urban settings
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Slow-growing, and reported to reach maturity in 4+ years
  
• Seeds are non-dormant, lose viability rapidly, and presumably will not form a persistent seed bank