Family: Araliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Plerandra elegantissima (false aralia) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree native to southeastern New Caledonia. Valued for its distinctive, finely divided foliage, the plant produces narrow, deeply serrated leaves that give it a delicate, elegant appearance. Young plants often have coppery or reddish foliage that matures to dark green, making false aralia a popular choice for tropical and subtropical landscapes, hedges, specimen plantings, and indoor container cultivation. Its attractive form and tolerance of shade have contributed to its widespread use in gardens and nurseries throughout the tropics.

Risks & Threats:
False aralia is considered a low-risk species, although it has been reported as potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu. While it may occasionally reproduce outside cultivation, there is currently little evidence that it forms extensive wild populations or causes significant ecological impacts in Hawaiʻi. The species does not appear to spread aggressively or displace native vegetation at levels associated with invasive plants. Nevertheless, gardeners should monitor cultivated plants for unwanted seedlings and avoid planting near sensitive natural areas. Continued observation is warranted to ensure it remains a minor component of the landscape and does not become more widespread over time.

High Risk Traits:

• Repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Potentially naturalizing on O'ahu
  
• Congeneric weed (H. actinophyllum invasive in Australia)
  
• Shade tolerant (full shade to partial sun)
  
• Wide soil tolerance (clay, sand, loam, acidic, alkaline, calcareous, ultramafic)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Bird-dispersed (fleshy fruit, gut passage likely)
  
• Intentionally spread as ornamental

Low Risk Traits:

• Not a weed (agricultural, forestry, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or highly toxic to humans (sap mildly irritating)
  
• No fire hazard (wet rainforest native)
  
• No vegetative fragmentation, seed bank persistence, or wind/water/contaminant dispersal