Family: Lauraceae

Litsea glutinosa (soft bollygum, bolly beech) is a rainforest tree native to India, South China to Malaysia, Philippines, Australia and the western Pacific islands. The plant has many uses, such as being made into incense stick adhesive, furniture, soap, candles, cosmetic preparations, rope, and paper pulp. Traditionally, the plant is used to address various gastrointestinal issues and conditions, including abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, as well as ailments such as gastroenteritis and diabetes. Additionally, it is utilized for managing edema, treating traumatic injuries, alleviating colds, and addressing conditions like arthritis and asthma. It is reported to be naturalized in South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion, Mayotte, and New Caledonia, but is not documented to be naturalized on any Hawaiian Islands to date. It thrives in tropical climates and adapts well to various types of soil, allowing it to spread quickly in diverse environments. The plant reproduces through seeds and root suckers, enabling rapid spread. Additionally, its seeds are dispersed by birds, fruit-eating animals, and intentional human activities, heightening the risk of it becoming invasive in new ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability and elevation range
  
• Thrives, and can spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in South Africa, Comoros, Mauritius, Reunion, Mayotte, and New Caledonia (no evidence in the Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• A weed of open, disturbed habitats and an environmental weed in some locations
  
• Tolerates many soil types (not substrate limited)
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by root suckers
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, other fruit eating animals, and intentionally by people
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Young leaves provide fodder for livestock
  
• Not reported to be toxic
  
• A light-demanding tree (dense shade may inhibit ability to establish and spread)
  
• Dioecious
  
• Recalcitrant seeds unlikely to persist in the seed bank