Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Shirakiopsis elliptica (jumping seed tree, musoso) is native to tropical and southern Africa, where it grows in a range of warm lowland habitats. It is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub with glossy leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by distinctive fruits that can explosively dehisce, helping to disperse seeds. In parts of its native range, it is occasionally used for local purposes such as shade, living fences, and traditional applications, and it may also be planted as an ornamental in botanical collections due to its unusual fruiting behavior.

Risks & Threats
Although this species is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern, including vigorous seed production and an effective seed dispersal mechanism that could allow it to spread if introduced. Species with similar characteristics have the potential to establish in disturbed tropical environments and compete with native vegetation. Because of these uncertainties, caution is recommended, and ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether it could negatively impact Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. Careful screening is advised before any consideration of planting or distribution.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Possibly naturalizing on Oahu, Hawaiian Islands (confirmation needed)
  
• Latex highly caustic to the skin, possibly poisonous if ingested
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization (with the possible exception of Oahu), but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for livestock (palatable despite reports of toxicity)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Limited ecological information makes accurate risk prediction difficult