Family: Moraceae

Artocarpus hypargyreus, commonly known as the Kwai Muk or Chinese mulberry, is a tree species native to southern China and Vietnam. It belongs to the Moraceae family, which includes other well-known fruit trees like breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The tree can grow up to 10–15 meters in height and has a dense, rounded canopy. Its leaves are large, glossy, and deeply lobed, while its flowers are small and inconspicuous. The fruit of Artocarpus hypargyreus is round to oval, yellow to orange when ripe, and has a sweet-tart flavor. The fruit, leaves, and seeds are edible and are used in traditional cuisines and medicinal practices in its native range.

Artocarpus hypargyreus is a valuable fruit tree with cultural, nutritional, and ecological significance in its native range. While it has been introduced to Hawaii and other regions, it is not currently considered invasive. Its potential for naturalization exists, but the risk of significant negative impacts on Hawaiian ecosystems appears low. Continued observation and responsible cultivation practices can help mitigate any potential risks associated with its introduction.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows and could spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Broad elevation range
  
• Other Artocarpus species have weedy traits and tendencies
  
• Shade tolerant (potential to establish within intact forests)
  
• Tolerates many soil types (not limited by substrate)
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Reported to be self-fertile (although primarily outcrossing)
  
• Reaches maturity in 2.5 years
  
• Seeds dispersed by civets and/or rhesus macaques in its native range, possibly birds or other frugivorous animals within its introduced range, and through intentional cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasive or negative impacts where cultivated
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Fruit palatable to animals and people
  
• Not reported to be toxic
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Relatively large seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed