Family: Meliaceae

Aphanamixis polystachya (shan lian, amoora, Pithraj tree) is a tall, evergreen tree native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Malaysia. It can grow over 30 meters tall, with a dense canopy and smooth, gray bark. The tree is valued in its native range for its durable timber, which is used in construction and furniture, and for traditional medicinal purposes. It is also cultivated as an ornamental or shade tree in tropical regions because of its attractive foliage and tolerance to a range of soil types.

Although Aphanamixis polystachya is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it has been introduced to several tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range. Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions, coupled with prolific seed production and animal-dispersed fruits, suggests that it could potentially escape cultivation and establish in natural areas. However, its behavior in Hawaiʻi remains uncertain, and there is currently no evidence of ecological or economic impacts within the islands. Continued observation is recommended to ensure that it does not spread beyond cultivation.

High Risk Traits:

• Possibly naturalized in Mozambique (unconfirmed)
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m (potential environmental versatility)
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Shade-tolerant (could potentially invade intact forest)
  
• Self-compatible (possesses nucellar embryony)
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and possible other vertebrates

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented to date
  
• Rarely cultivated in Hawaii with no reports of naturalization or escape
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Medicinal uses
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Timber tree