Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Syzygium polyanthum, commonly known as Indian bayleaf or Indonesian bayleaf, is an evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, ranging from Indo-China through western and central Malesia. It typically grows into a medium-sized tree with dense foliage, glossy green leaves, and small white flowers followed by dark-colored fruits. The aromatic leaves are widely used as a culinary spice in Indonesian, Malaysian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines, where they are valued for their distinctive flavor. In addition to its culinary uses, the species is sometimes planted as an ornamental shade tree and may also be used in traditional medicine and agroforestry systems within its native range.

Risks & Threats:
Although Syzygium polyanthum is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that warrant caution and further evaluation. Like other members of the genus Syzygium, it produces fleshy fruits that may attract birds and other animals capable of dispersing seeds over long distances. The species is adapted to tropical climates similar to those found in Hawaiʻi and may have the potential to establish in natural areas if introduced more widely. Because it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems, ongoing evaluation is recommended. To help protect Hawaiʻi’s native forests and biodiversity, Plant Pono recommends choosing a low-risk or native alternative whenever suitable alternatives are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates (and could potentially spread in Hawaiian Islands)
  
• Reported as a weed of rice crops in Indonesia (but impacts unknown)
  
• Other Syzygium (and Eugenia) species are invasive
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Reaches maturity in 3 years
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Valued as a spice, and used medicinally and for timber
  
• Recalcitrant seeds lose viability rapidly (will not form a persistent seed bank)