Family: Celastraceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Gymnosporia emarginata, commonly known as kankera, is a spiny shrub or small tree native to parts of South Asia, including India and Sri Lanka. It typically grows in dry forests and scrublands, where it can form dense, thorny thickets. The plant has small, simple leaves, inconspicuous greenish flowers, and produces small berries that may be dispersed by birds. Kankera has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including treatments for inflammation, skin conditions, and digestive issues. It is also sometimes used as a hedge plant due to its dense, thorny growth, which can act as a natural barrier.

Risks & Threats:
Although Gymnosporia emarginata is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that raise concern. Its ability to form dense, spiny thickets could allow it to outcompete native vegetation and restrict access for wildlife and people. The production of bird-dispersed fruits increases its potential to spread beyond cultivation. Additionally, its tolerance of dry conditions suggests it could establish in a range of Hawaiian environments. Further evaluation is needed to determine its potential impacts, and caution is recommended to ensure that this species does not negatively affect Hawaii’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates (suited for introduction)
  
• Produces spines or thorns
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Shade tolerant at some life stage
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Seeds bird-dispersed
  
• Seeds survive passage through the gut (zoochory)
  
• Shows signs of naturalization outside native range (e.g., Hawaii)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of allelopathy, parasitism, or toxicity to animals
  
• No evidence of being a weed (agricultural, forestry, or environmental)
  
• No specialist pollinators required (generalist insects)
  
• No evidence of prolific seed production or persistent seed bank