Family: Sapindaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Majidea zanguebarica, commonly known as black pearl tree, mgambo tree, or velvet seed tree, is a small to medium-sized tropical tree native to southeastern Kenya and eastern Tanzania, including Zanzibar. It is admired for its attractive glossy foliage, rounded canopy, and striking seed pods that split open to reveal shiny black seeds contrasted against bright orange interiors. Because of its ornamental appeal and tolerance of warm climates, it is cultivated in tropical and subtropical landscapes as a shade tree and garden specimen. The tree is especially valued for its decorative fruits and lush appearance, making it popular in botanical collections and residential plantings.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Majidea zanguebarica is naturalized and possesses traits that are cause for concern. The species produces abundant seeds that may be dispersed by gravity, water, or human activity, allowing it to spread beyond cultivation into disturbed areas and potentially into natural ecosystems. While widespread ecological impacts have not yet been fully documented in Hawaiʻi, caution is recommended to ensure that this species will not negatively impact native forests or other tropical island habitats. Careful monitoring and responsible planting practices are encouraged to reduce the risk of unintended spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Presumably self-fertile due to reports of single tree producing seeds
  
• Seeds suspected to be dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or detrimental impacts in Hawaii or in other areas where cultivated
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Leaves palatable to lemurs and monkeys (suggesting potential palatability to ungulates)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Relatively large seeds unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed