Family: Rutaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melicope elleryana (pink flowered doughwood, evodia) is a tropical tree native to parts of northern Australia, Maluku, and the Santa Cruz Islands. It is admired for its large glossy leaves and showy clusters of bright pink flowers that bloom directly from the trunk and branches, giving it strong ornamental appeal in tropical landscapes. This fast-growing tree is commonly planted as a shade tree, specimen tree, or wildlife-friendly ornamental because its flowers can attract birds and pollinators. In Hawaiʻi, it has become naturalized on Oʻahu.

Risks & Threats
Although valued as an ornamental, Melicope elleryana is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and possesses traits that are cause for concern. The species produces abundant seeds that may be spread by birds and other animals, increasing its potential to escape cultivation and spread into surrounding environments. Its rapid growth and ability to establish in moist tropical habitats could allow it to compete with native vegetation in disturbed or natural areas. While the full extent of its ecological impacts in Hawaiʻi is still being evaluated, caution is recommended when planting this species to help ensure that it will not negatively impact Hawaii’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized & weedy outside native range (e.g., inland Australia)
  
• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Dispersed intentionally by people (ornamental)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Resprouts after fire or damage
  
• Flowers in as few as 3 years

Low Risk Traits:

• Tree (no climbing/smothering)
  
• No dense thickets
  
• No major pest/pathogen host
  
• No wind dispersal
  
• No external seed attachment