Family: Platanaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Platanus mexicana, commonly known as Mexican sycamore, is a large deciduous tree native to northeastern and east-central Mexico, ranging from San Luis Potosí to northern Puebla. This fast-growing tree is valued for its broad canopy, striking white and tan mottled bark, and large maple-like leaves that create dense shade. Mexican sycamore is widely planted as an ornamental and landscape tree in warm climates because of its attractive appearance, rapid growth, and tolerance of heat and seasonal dryness. It is commonly used in parks, along streets, and in large residential landscapes where ample space is available.

Risks & Threats:
Mexican sycamore is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi and is not known to be invasive in tropical island ecosystems. While it produces many wind-dispersed seeds, there is little evidence that it spreads aggressively or forms invasive populations in Hawaiʻi. In some settings, large surface roots and heavy leaf litter may require maintenance, and the tree’s large size makes it better suited for spacious landscapes rather than small yards or areas near infrastructure. Overall, this species is regarded as a relatively safe ornamental tree when planted responsibly and monitored appropriately.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad elevation range (exceeds 1000 m)
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Platanus species have become invasive
  
• Pollen may act as an allergen to susceptible individuals
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Seeds dispersed whole by wind and possibly water
  
• Planted intentionally by people
  
• Hybridizes with other Platanus species
  
• Limited ecological information outside its native range makes accurate risk predictions difficult

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization, invasiveness, or negative impacts have been documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Shade-intolerant
  
• Self-incompatible
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Timber tree