Family: Anacardiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Spondias mombin, commonly known as hog plum or yellow mombin, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and much of tropical South America. It typically grows 10–25 meters (33–82 feet) tall and produces clusters of small yellow fruits with a sweet-tart flavor. The fruits are widely consumed fresh or used in juices, preserves, and fermented beverages, while various parts of the tree have been used in traditional medicine. The tree is also valued for shade, agroforestry plantings, and its ability to grow in a wide range of tropical conditions.

Risks & Threats
Although Spondias mombin is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern. The species produces abundant fruit that can be dispersed by birds, mammals, and human activities, allowing it to spread beyond cultivation. It is adaptable to a variety of habitats, grows rapidly, and can establish in disturbed areas where it may compete with native vegetation. Because these characteristics could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if the species were to escape cultivation, a precautionary approach is warranted. When selecting plants for landscaping, agroforestry, or restoration projects, it is recommended to choose low-risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates; broad environmental versatility
  
• Introduced repeatedly outside native range; naturalized in Africa and elsewhere
  
• Host for fruit fly pests (Anastrepha obliqua), impacting commercial orchards
  
• Tolerates wide soil range, including poor, compacted, and seasonally flooded soils
  
• Produces viable seed with high germination rates
  
• Hybridizes naturally; self-fertile (bisexual, self-compatible flowers)
  
• Dispersed by water, birds, and animals (gut passage); intentionally cultivated by people
  
• Prolific seed production (up to 10,000 fruits per tree)
  
• Coppices readily; tolerates cutting and mutilation

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs (structural defenses absent)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals; non-toxic to humans (fruits and shoots edible)
  
• Does not create fire hazard; not shade-tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• No persistent seed bank (seed viability under one year)