Family: Araliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Heptapleurum heptaphyllum, commonly known as ivy tree, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree native to a broad region extending from Japan through Indochina to the Philippines. It is valued as an ornamental for its attractive tropical appearance, featuring glossy compound leaves arranged in umbrella-like clusters and showy flowering structures that can attract pollinators. Ivy tree is commonly planted in gardens, parks, and landscapes in warm climates, where it is appreciated for its lush foliage, shade, and adaptability to a variety of growing conditions.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Heptapleurum heptaphyllum has become naturalized on Oʻahu, meaning it is able to reproduce and maintain populations outside of cultivation. While its overall impacts are still being evaluated, the species possesses traits that are cause for concern, including the ability to spread beyond planted areas and establish in disturbed habitats. Ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its potential effects on Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. Until more information is available, caution is recommended when planting or distributing this species to help ensure that it does not negatively impact native habitats or contribute to future invasive plant problems in the islands.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability – Tolerates wide elevation range (100–2100 m)
  
• Shade tolerant – Invades forest understories (deep shade to part shade)
  
• Produces viable seed – Reproduces by seed
  
• Self-compatible – Capable of self-fertilization
  
• Bird dispersed – Seeds spread by many bird species
  
• Gut survival – Seeds pass through bird/mammal digestive tracts
  
• Intentional human dispersal – Widely cultivated as ornamental and medicinal
  
• Congeneric weed – Close relative (H. actinophyllum) is highly invasive
  
• Naturalized elsewhere – Escaped cultivation and weedy in Hawaii (O'ahu)

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals – Consumed by squirrels and deer
  
• No fire hazard – Used in firebreaks
  
• No wind, water, or external attachment dispersal
  
• Low seed production – ~344 seeds/m²/year
  
• Short-lived seed bank – Seeds lose viability quickly