Family: Malvaceae
Sterculia monosperma is a deciduous tropical nut-bearing tree also known as China chestnut, Thai chestnut, seven sisters’ fruit, and phoenix eyes fruit. The species is native to China and Taiwan to Malaysia where it occurs in the dense humid forests at low and medium altitude. The seeds are edible and have a taste like almonds or cashews, although they are not widely consumed. There are no reports that this tree has become naturalized or invasive worldwide. The relatively large seeds may limit long-distance dispersal and minimize risk of naturalization in the Hawaiian Islands.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and could spread in regions with tropical climates
- Tolerates many soil types (potential spread not limited by substrate).
- Reproduces by seeds.
- Seeds dispersed by gravity and through intentional cultivation.
- Red follicle (fruit) color may be an adaptation for bird dispersal (as has been reported in other Sterculia species), but no evidence was found.
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of naturalization or invasiveness have been reported, although there is limited evidence of cultivation outside its native range.
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)
- Relatively large fruit and seeds may limit potential for long-distance or accidental dispersal.
