Family: Apocynaceae

Cerbera manghas, commonly known as pink-eyed cerbera or sea mango, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to coastal regions of South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and parts of the Pacific. It is easily recognized by its glossy, dark green leaves, fragrant white flowers with a distinctive pink or red eye at the center, and smooth, green, mango-like fruits. Because of its attractive flowers and tolerance of salt spray and sandy soils, pink-eyed cerbera is widely planted as an ornamental tree in tropical landscapes, along shorelines, and in gardens. Historically, parts of the plant have also been used in traditional medicine and for fish poison in some cultures, though these uses are limited due to the plant’s toxicity.

Despite its ornamental appeal, Cerbera manghas poses notable risks. All parts of the tree—especially the seeds—are highly toxic if ingested, containing potent cardiac glycosides that can be fatal to people, pets, and livestock. In tropical regions, the species can escape cultivation and establish in coastal habitats, where it may compete with native vegetation and alter natural plant communities. Because of these risks, careful planting, monitoring, and disposal of plant material are important, particularly near natural areas and places accessible to children or animals.

High Risk Traits:

• Toxic to humans
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates poor soils
  
• Water-dispersed
  
• Vegetative reproduction
  
• Historically bird-dispersed
  
• Slow maturation (>4 years)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized or weedy
  
• Limited climate versatility
  
• No spines/thorns/burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• Not toxic to livestock
  
• Not a fire hazard
  
• No thickets formed
  
• No hybridization or self-compatibility
  
• No unintentional dispersal
  
• Low seed production
  
• No persistent seed bank