Family: Lauraceae

Chlorocardium rodiei, commonly known as greenheart, is a large evergreen tree native to the lowland rainforests of northeastern South America, particularly Guyana and Suriname. It can grow 50–130 feet tall and is easily recognized by its glossy leaves and exceptionally dense, olive-green wood. Greenheart wood is famous for being extremely strong, naturally rot-resistant, and tolerant of insects and marine borers. Because of these qualities, it has long been used for bridges, docks, pilings, shipbuilding, and heavy outdoor construction, as well as specialty items like tool handles and fishing rods. In its native range, the tree has also been used in traditional medicine.

In terms of invasiveness, greenheart is considered a low-risk species and is generally regarded as safe for cultivation. It is slow-growing, takes many years to reach reproductive maturity, and has specific habitat requirements, all of which limit its ability to spread aggressively outside its native range. There is no evidence of the species escaping cultivation or forming invasive populations in Hawaiʻi or other tropical regions where it has been planted. As a result, greenheart is not currently considered a threat to native ecosystems when grown responsibly and in appropriate settings.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Wood dust may be toxic or allergenic
  
• Shade-tolerant (potential to invade intact forest understory)
  
• Dominant forest component in Guyana (competitive ability?)
  
• Relatively large fruit and seeds dispersed by mammals (potentially pigs in Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Resprouts after cutting or damage to trunk
  
• Limited planting outside native range may account for lack of naturalization or invasiveness

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or invasiveness elsewhere
  
• Restricted to low elevation tropics
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Timber tree
  
• Large fruit and seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed