Family: Combretaceae

A tree widely cultivated and distributed throughout the Pacific and naturalized on all main Hawaiian Islands. A previous assessment rated this plant as Low Risk, but new information now supports its designation as a High Risk species. Although planted as a shade tree in some locations, its large stature and exposed surface roots may create problems with lawns, sidewalks, and driveways. It spreads primarily by its water-dispersed seeds, and through intentional cultivation. In some situations, the tree can form dense stands that may exclude other vegetation and modify ecosystem processes.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai. Maui and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and widely distributed in the tropical Pacific
  
• Large surface roots and leaf litter may create problems in landscaping and around sidewalks, driveways, and lawns.
  
• An environmental weed in some locations, excluding other vegetation and modifying ecosystem processes.
  
• Other Terminalia species may be weedy or invasive.
  
• Potentially allelopathic.
  
• Host of plant pests and pathogens.
  
• Seedlings are shade tolerant and capable of establishing under other vegetation.
  
• Tolerates many soil types.
  
• Can form dense stands that excludes other vegetation.
  
• Reproduces by seeds.
  
• Capable of reaching maturity in 3 years.
  
• Large seeds dispersed by water, carried externally by fruit bats, birds and possibly other frugivores, and intentionally cultivated.
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting.

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite invasiveness, and issues with roots and litter in cultivated settings, valued as an ornamental and landscaping tree.
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Fruit and foliage palatable to browsing animals.
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Kernels of ripe fruit edible and valued as a food source in some places.
  
• Self-Incompatible.
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively.
  
• Relatively large seeds unlikely to be dispersed long distances when cultivated away from water, or in the absence of animals capable of carrying or ingesting fruit.
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control.