Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Macaranga mappa (bingabing) is a fast-growing tropical tree native to northern Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. It typically develops a relatively short trunk with large, broad, rounded leaves that give it a distinctive tropical appearance. Like other members of the genus Macaranga, it is adapted to disturbed forests and open sunny areas, where it can grow quickly and establish dense stands. In its native range, it is part of early forest regrowth and contributes to habitat structure. While not widely used for timber, it is sometimes valued in tropical landscapes for its bold foliage and rapid growth.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Macaranga mappa is already naturalized on Oʻahu and is considered potentially naturalizing on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, indicating it is able to persist and spread beyond cultivation. Its fast growth, ability to colonize disturbed areas, and production of large leaf litter can allow it to form dense stands that may compete with native vegetation and alter understory light conditions. Because of its demonstrated ability to naturalize and spread, Macaranga mappa continues to detrimentally impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Hawaii (Oahu, Hawaii islands) and beyond native range (Philippines)
  
• Grows in tropical climates (native range includes tropics)
  
• Environmental weed documented in Hawaii: forms dense thickets, reduces light availability, competes for water and nutrients, and limits native species regeneration
  
• Produces spiny fruits (capsules with spine-like processes)
  
• Shade tolerant at some life stage
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Forms dense, dominant stands
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Dioecious, but reproduces successfully in Hawaii (pollinators present)
  
• Fast growing, reaches maturity in 2-3 years
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (ornamental)
  
• Propagules dispersed as a produce contaminant (found in nursery plants)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Seeds survive passage through bird guts
  
• Dominates seed bank biomass (prolific seed production)

Low Risk Traits:

• Requires male and female plants for seed production (dioecious)
  
• No evidence of external dispersal mechanisms (no spines, hooks, or burrs for animal attachment)
  
• Not adapted to wind or water dispersal