Family: Malvaceae

An invasive tree that spreads from initial plantings. Native to India, SW Asia, Malaysia, and New Guinea, Melochia umbellata, commonly known as Melochia or toilet paper tree, was introduced to Hawai’i before 1871. Presumably, it was imported to create quick shade for young coffee trees. More than 5,000 seedlings were planted by the territory of Hawai’i, beginning in 1925, for reforestation purposes. Melochia, as well as trumpet trees, were aerial seeded over Panaewa and Wai‘akea after the 1928 fire. Many native forests previously dominated by hala, `ohi`a, and uluhe cannot come back after the fire or other disturbances. Instead, invasive species like Melochia grow back with a vigor that is no match to our native species.

 

Description and Dispersal:

• A tree growing from 6 to 45 feet tall
  
• Heart-shaped leaves are toothed along the edges and are covered with soft hair
  
• New leaves appear grey then turning more green as it ages
  
• Flowers are not showy, are pink, have 5 petals and 5 stamens, and grow in clusters that have a flat top
  
• This flower construction describes the species name umbellata, meaning flat top.
  
• Fruit is a 5 sided capsule that opens in an explosion to reveal numerous wind-dispersed seeds
  
• The tree is easily identifiable due to the silver hue it radiates

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range can exceed 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• A disturbance-adapted, weedy pioneer tree, with potential negative impacts to native ecosystems of Hawaii
  
• Other Melochia species are invasive
  
• Shade tolerant (able to establish in forest understory)
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, as a contaminant of road fill, possibly by water, and intentionally seeded by people
  
• No natural enemies documented in the Hawaiian Islands

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control