Family: Boraginaceae

Cordia dichotoma (clammy cherry, glueberry tree, Indian cherry) is a tropical tree in the borage family (Boraginaceae) native to South and Southeast Asia, extending into parts of China, Australia, and the western Pacific. It grows as a small to medium-sized tree with broad, shiny leaves, clusters of white flowers, and round fruits that become sticky when ripe. The fruits are traditionally eaten fresh, cooked, or pickled, and the pulp, bark, and leaves have long been used in folk medicine and utilitarian applications, including adhesives. Because of its fast growth and attractive form, the tree has also been planted ornamentally. In Hawaiʻi, Cordia dichotoma is naturalized on Oʻahu, where it reproduces outside of cultivation.

Cordia dichotoma is considered high risk in Hawaiʻi due to its ability to spread, establish persistent populations, and compete with native vegetation. Its seeds are readily dispersed by birds and other animals, and the species tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions, increasing the likelihood of further spread into natural areas. In other tropical regions, it has shown invasive behavior, raising concerns about similar impacts in island ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to biological invasions. Because of these risks, planting Cordia dichotoma is not recommended. Choosing native Hawaiian plants or well-vetted low-risk alternatives is strongly encouraged to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems and support long-term environmental health.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Mauritius and Florida
  
• Regarded as invasive in Mauritius, but negative impacts have not been specified
  
• Other Cordia species have become invasive
  
• Demonstrates allelopathic properties on lettuce in lab settings (field confirmation needed)
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, frugivorous mammals and intentionally by people
  
• Capable of spreading vegetatively by stumps and branches
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting (and may require herbicide application for effective control)

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Ornamental and medicinal uses
  
• Reaches maturity in 4-5 years
  
• Seeds may lose viability quickly