Family: Moraceae

Artocarpus lamellosus (hung kwai muk, kwai muk) is a tropical tree valued for its small to medium-sized, round fruits, which have a sweet, slightly tangy flavor when ripe. The tree has dense, glossy foliage and can provide shade in gardens or landscapes. It is sometimes grown for its fruits or as an ornamental tree in tropical and subtropical areas.

Although Artocarpus lamellosus is not currently naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that could allow it to potentially spread. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether it could impact local ecosystems. Gardeners should exercise caution and consider these potential risks before planting this species.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalizing on Kauai
  
• Seeds may be spread by birds, mammals, and people

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, no reports of invasiveness found
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Edible Fruit
  
• Not known to spread vegetatively
  
• Slow growing, and probably takes 3+ years to reach maturity
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly