Family: Rhamnaceae
Alphitonia zizyphoides, commonly known as toi, is a tall evergreen tree native to islands across the South Pacific, including Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. It is valued in its native range for its strong, durable wood, which is used in construction, carving, and tools, as well as for traditional medicinal purposes. The tree is also culturally significant, often planted near villages for shade and as a source of resources. Toi can grow to impressive heights, forming a broad crown with glossy green leaves and producing small white flowers that attract pollinators.
In Hawaiʻi, Alphitonia zizyphoides is only found in cultivation and has not naturalized in the wild. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental or shade tree, where its attractive foliage and upright form make it a distinctive addition to landscapes. While it has not shown invasive tendencies in the islands, caution is always warranted when introducing non-native plants. At present, toi remains a cultivated species in Hawaiʻi, appreciated for its cultural, aesthetic, and ecological roles without posing a threat to native ecosystems.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized beyond its native range.
- Propagules are bird-dispersed (arilate fruit).
- Tolerates mutilation (e.g., heavy pruning).
- Pioneer species characteristics, suited for colonizing disturbed sites.
Low Risk Traits:
- Not reported as a significant agricultural, environmental, or congeneric weed.
- Lacks spines, thorns, and allelopathic properties.
- Not parasitic, toxic, or a fire hazard.
- Not a known host for major pests or pathogens.
- Does not reproduce vegetatively.
- Large seeds not adapted for wind, water, or accidental dispersal.
- Low prolific seed production (large, few-seeded fruit).
