Family: Burseraceae

Canarium album (Chinese white-olive or Chinese olive) is an evergreen tree native to eastern and southeastern Asia, particularly China and parts of Southeast Asia. It can grow into a medium to large tree with a dense canopy, smooth gray bark, and glossy, compound leaves. The small flowers develop into oval, pale green fruits that resemble olives. These fruits are widely used in Asian cuisines, especially preserved, candied, or pickled, and are also valued in traditional medicine for soothing sore throats and supporting digestion. The tree is sometimes planted for shade, ornament, or fruit production in tropical and subtropical regions.

In Hawaiʻi and other Pacific islands, Canarium album is not currently known to be invasive, but caution is warranted. Like other fruiting trees, it can spread beyond cultivation if seeds are dispersed by birds or other animals, particularly in favorable climates. Members of the genus Canarium can become large and long-lived, making removal difficult if they establish in natural areas. For these reasons, planting should be done thoughtfully, with attention to preventing unwanted spread and monitoring for seedlings outside of intended planting areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Regenerates via coppice
  
• Bird-dispersed
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Tolerates disturbance (fire, cutting)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized
  
• Not a weed
  
• Non-toxic
  
• No spines/thorns
  
• Limited soil tolerance
  
• Low seed production
  
• Not allelopathic
  
• Does not form thickets
  
• Not a fire hazard