Family: Sapotaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Mimusops elengi (bullet wood, medlar, Spanish cherry) is an evergreen tree native to a broad region ranging from southern India through Southeast Asia to Vanuatu. It is valued for its dense canopy, glossy dark green leaves, and highly fragrant, cream-colored flowers. The tree produces small, oval, yellow-orange fruits that are edible when ripe. It has been widely planted as an ornamental shade tree in tropical and subtropical regions, and is also appreciated for its hard, durable timber and traditional medicinal uses in parts of its native range.

Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, Mimusops elengi is naturalized on Oʻahu, though it is not currently considered a high-impact invasive species. While it does produce seeds that can be spread by birds and may establish in disturbed areas, it has not shown aggressive or widespread invasive behavior compared to more problematic trees. At present, its ecological risk appears relatively low, but continued monitoring is important to ensure it does not expand into sensitive habitats or begin to displace native vegetation over time.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range may possibly exceed 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands and Réunion Island
  
• Sawdust is irritating to nose and throat
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, mammals and intentionally by people
  
• Able to resprout after fires

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization, no negative impacts reported to date
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock
  
• Ornamental and shade tree
  
• Does not self-pollinate
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Slow growing, and reaches maturity in 11-20 years
  
• Relatively large fruit and seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly and are unlikely to form a persistent seed bank