Family: Betulaceae

Nepalese alder is a nitrogen-fixing tree that is not invasive! It is fast-growing and wind-pollinated. In Java, this tree is cultivated on slopes where landslides have occurred to prevent further erosion. It rapidly established itself in extremely wet climates and kept topsoil intact. It thrives in saturated, heavy soil. This tree was planted all thru out the state of Hawaiʻi in forest reserves as early as 1933. Later it was harvested and tested for strength. It could be used for furniture, plywood, lumber, medicine, and crafts.

Coppice every two years, and it will grow back.

Plant Uses:

• Edible
• Erosion control
• Medicinal
• Nitrogen fixer
• Privacy / screening

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad Climate Suitability: Thrives in tropical/subtropical climates and diverse soils.
  
• Introduction History: Repeatedly introduced outside its native range.
  
• Naturalized on Molokai
  
• Nitrogen Fixation: Alters soil chemistry, potentially outcompeting natives.
  
• High Seed Output: Produces abundant, wind-dispersed seeds.
  
• Rapid Growth: A fast-growing pioneer species.
  
• Disturbance Tolerant: Recovers well from coppicing or damage.

Low Risk Traits:

• No Invasive History: No evidence of weediness anywhere.
  
• Not a Nuisance: Lacks spines, toxins, and a significant fire hazard.
  
• Palatable: Fodder for livestock, suggesting susceptibility to grazing.
  
• Short-Lived Seeds: Lacks a persistent seed bank.
  
• Limited Dispersal: Seeds only wind-dispersed; not spread by animals or water.
  
• No Vegetative Spread: Does not reproduce from fragmentation.