Family: Lamiaceae

Peronema canescens (Sungkai, False Elder) is a fern native to Tropical Asia. It is categorized as a luxurious timber because the wood is used for various purposes such as: for houses construction, interior finishes, furniture and decorative veneer. There is no evidence of naturalization in the Hawaiian Islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Reported to be naturalized in Java (Indonesia)
  
• Leaf litter in plantations reported to be fire prone
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, water, and through intentional cultivation
  
• Trees coppice after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of negative impacts where cultivated
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Used as fodder (palatable foliage)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
  
• Reaches maturity in 5+ years
  
• Recalcitrant seeds unlikely to form a persistent seed bank