Family: Malvaceae
Chiranthodendron pentadactylon, commonly known as devil’s hand tree or monkey hand tree, is a striking flowering tree native to the cloud forests of southern Mexico and Guatemala. It is best known for its large, deep red flowers that resemble an open hand with long “fingers,” making it a dramatic and unusual ornamental. The tree can grow 30–50 feet tall and has large, maple-like leaves, and it is typically planted as a specimen tree in botanical gardens and specialty landscapes. In its native range, the flowers have a history of traditional medicinal use, but today the species is primarily valued for its unique appearance and cultural interest.
Devil’s hand tree is currently rated low risk and considered safe for cultivation. It is not known to be invasive or naturalized in Hawaiʻi, and there is no evidence suggesting it poses a threat to native ecosystems at this time. Because it is slow-growing and uncommon in the landscape, its potential to spread appears limited. As with all non-native plants, continued observation is encouraged, but based on current information, this species is considered a low concern option for ornamental planting.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Forms dense (but not pure) stands in native range
- Reproduces by seeds and resprouts from cut stumps
- Arillate seeds may be dispersed by birds or ants (uncertain)
- Cut stumps of the tree often send up new shoots
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Ornamental
- Not reported to spread vegetatively
- May require specialized pollinators (bats and possibly birds)
- Reaches maturity in 5+ years
- Seeds lose viability in <12 months and are unlikely to produce a persistent seed bank
