Family: Myricaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Morella faya (firetree, fire tree, faya tree) is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to Macaronesia and southern Portugal. It has dark green leaves, reddish bark, and clusters of small red fruits that attract birds. Firetree was introduced to Hawaiʻi as an ornamental tree, likely by Portuguese laborers who also used the fruit for making wine. It has also been planted for landscaping, windbreaks, and erosion control because of its fast growth and ability to thrive in poor soils.

Risks & Threats
Firetree is naturalized in Hawaiʻi and is considered a serious invasive pest. It occurs in mesic to wet forests from approximately 500–4,300 feet (150–1,310 m) on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Lānaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. First collected in Hāmākua on Hawaiʻi Island in 1926, it has since spread widely and can form dense stands that dominate native forests. Firetree alters soil chemistry by increasing nitrogen levels, which can favor other invasive species and disrupt fragile native ecosystems. Its abundant fruit production also aids dispersal by birds. Because this species possesses traits that are cause for concern and can detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, planting is not recommended. Choose low risk or native alternatives when suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Environmental weed – Alters ecosystem properties (e.g., nitrogen fixation) in Hawaii.
  
• Agricultural/forestry weed – Declared noxious; forms dense cover displacing desirable species.
  
• Naturalized outside native range – Hawaii, Chatham Islands (New Zealand).
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds – Viable after gut passage; spread by native & exotic birds.
  
• Self-compatible / subdioecious – Can produce fruit even on nominally male plants.
  
• Prolific seed production – Dense seed rain.
  
• Persistent seed bank – Seeds remain viable >1 year.
  
• Forms dense thickets – Monospecific stands with little to no understory.
  
• Tolerates wide soil range – Found in 11 soil types, pH 5–6.
  
• Resprouts after cutting or fire – Benefits from mutilation; basal sprouting.
  
• Nitrogen-fixing woody plant – Facilitates further invasion by other exotics.
  
• Unpalatable to livestock – Not preferred forage; reduces control by grazing.

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans (fruit stains but not poisonous)
  
• No evidence of vegetative fragmentation
  
• No evidence of hybridization (despite overlap with M. cerifera)
  
• Not adapted to wind or water dispersal
  
• Low risk of accidental introduction (primarily spread intentionally or by birds)
  
• Effective natural enemy present – Leafhopper (Sophonia rufofascia) causes dieback in Hawaii.