Family: Moraceae

Brosimum alicastrum, commonly known as breadnut or Maya nut, is a tropical tree native to Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean. It grows into a tall, spreading tree with glossy evergreen leaves and produces round fruits containing the nutritious “breadnut,” long valued as a traditional food source. The seeds can be eaten fresh, roasted, or ground into flour, and the tree is appreciated for its drought tolerance, shade, and usefulness in agroforestry and reforestation projects.

Although Brosimum alicastrum is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does have several traits—such as adaptability to tropical climates, prolific fruiting, and effective seed dispersal—that raise some concern about its potential to spread. There is currently not enough information to determine whether it could become invasive or impact native ecosystems. Further evaluation and careful monitoring are needed to better understand its behavior in Hawaiʻi before recommending widespread planting.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized or escaped in Florida
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Grows in almost pure stands in parts of its native range. Uncertain in natural or remnants of prehistoric cultivation
  
• Seeds dispersed by primates, bats, birds, and rodents
  
• Able to coppice and tolerates heavy pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization in Florida, there are no reports of negative impacts of this tree there or anywhere else where it grows
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Important fodder and forage plant for cattle and other animals
  
• Edible pulp and seeds
  
• Ornamental and timber tree
  
• Seeds recalcitrant and tree will not form a long-lived seed bank