Family: Surianaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Suriana maritima (bay cedar) is a coastal shrub or small tree native to tropical and subtropical shorelines across a wide range, including East Africa from Kenya to Mozambique, as well as parts of the Pacific and the Americas such as Florida, southern Mexico, and broader Tropical America. It is typically found in sandy coastal dunes and beach environments where it must withstand salt spray, wind exposure, and nutrient-poor soils. The plant forms a dense, low-spreading shrub with thick, leathery leaves and small yellow flowers. It is occasionally used in coastal landscaping and restoration projects for dune stabilization and erosion control due to its hardiness in harsh seaside conditions.

Risks & Threats
Although Suriana maritima is not known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern, particularly its strong tolerance of salt, wind, and drought, as well as its ability to establish in open sandy coastal habitats. These characteristics could allow it to persist or spread if introduced into suitable shoreline environments. Caution is recommended, and ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its potential to impact Hawaiʻi’s native coastal ecosystems and to ensure it does not displace or compete with native dune vegetation.

High Risk Traits:

• Native and adapted to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Grows in a wide range of soil types (acidic, alkaline, sand, loam)
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals (discourages herbivory)
  
• Self-compatible (can reproduce without cross-pollination)
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people (ornamental use)
  
• Propagules water-dispersed (buoyant, viable in seawater)
  
• Tolerates clipping and pruning (responds well to disturbance)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized
  
• Not a weed in agricultural, environmental, or horticultural settings
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• No serious pest or pathogen issues
  
• Requires full sun (not shade-tolerant)
  
• Propagules not adapted for wind, external animal attachment, or produce contaminant dispersal
  
• Slow to moderate growth (generative time >2 years)