Family: Malvaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Heliocarpus americanus (moho) is a fast-growing tree from Central and South America, known for its broad leaves and small yellow flowers. It has been planted in Hawaii for shade, reforestation, and soil stabilization.

Risks & Threats:
Moho is naturalized on Kaua‘i, O‘ahu, Lana‘i, and Hawai‘i Island and can spread aggressively. It may outcompete native plants and disrupt forest ecosystems, so low-risk or native alternatives are recommended.

High Risk Traits:

• Environmental weed threatening endangered species in Hawaii
  
• Naturalized on multiple Hawaiian islands (Kauai, Oahu, Lanai, Hawaii)
  
• Broad climate versatility (500–2,500 m elevation range)
  
• Thrives in disturbed areas (logged forests, gulch bottoms)
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals (not browsed by deer)
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds (plumose bristles)
  
• Water-dispersed seeds (common along streams)
  
• Tolerates wide soil conditions
  
• Not shade tolerant (colonizes open/disturbed areas)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No fire hazard (wet forest habitat)
  
• Not bird-dispersed (dry capsule fruit)
  
• No external animal attachment
  
• Low seed production per plant