Family: Celastraceae

Brexia madagascariensis, or brexia, is a small evergreen tree native to Aldabra, the Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique, the Seychelles, and coastal Tanzania. It grows with a rounded crown, glossy leathery leaves, and clusters of pale, star-shaped flowers that add to its ornamental appeal. The tree also produces small fruit and is valued in landscaping for its compact size, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in warm, tropical environments.

In Hawaiʻi, brexia has naturalized on Oʻahu and Maui, but current assessments still classify it as low risk. It has not shown invasive behavior or caused known ecological impacts. Although it appears to be a safe choice for cultivation, continued monitoring is always recommended for any non-native species to ensure it remains well-behaved in local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu and Maui (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Young trees have leaves with spiny margins (absent on older trees)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by water, possibly frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people
  
• Gaps in biological information (compatibility, seed production and longevity, regenerative ability) limit accuracy of risk prediction
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of negative impacts in Hawaiian Islands to date
  
• Non-toxic
  
• May be limited to full sun or high light environments
  
• Produces edible fruit
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Cultivation away from water may limit dispersal ability