Family: Apocynaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Picralima nitida, commonly known as akuamma, ashanti, or obero, is a tropical evergreen tree native to western and central Africa, ranging from countries along the Gulf of Guinea eastward to Uganda. It typically grows in humid lowland forests and can reach moderate heights with a dense crown of glossy green leaves. The tree produces distinctive round fruits filled with numerous seeds, which are widely known in traditional African medicine. Akuamma seeds have historically been used for their analgesic and fever-reducing properties, and extracts from the plant have been studied for potential pharmaceutical applications. In addition to medicinal use, the tree is sometimes cultivated as a shade or ornamental species in tropical regions because of its attractive foliage and fruit.

Risks & Threats
Picralima nitida is considered a low risk species for Hawaiʻi at this time. Although it is adapted to tropical climates, there is little evidence that it behaves invasively or spreads aggressively outside cultivation. The species does not appear to form dense thickets, dominate native habitats, or significantly disrupt ecosystems where introduced. Its reproduction and spread are relatively limited compared to more problematic tropical trees. As with any non-native species, continued observation is appropriate to ensure it does not begin spreading into natural areas, but current information suggests that akuamma poses minimal ecological threat to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and can generally be grown responsibly in managed landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Toxic
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by large vertebrates and intentionally by people
  
• Limited ecological information minimizes accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable despite reports of toxicity
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Large fruits and seeds minimize risk of accidental dispersal