Family: Combretaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Terminalia mantaly, commonly known as Madagascar almond or umbrella tree, is native to Madagascar. It is a medium-sized tropical tree valued for its striking, layered branching structure that forms a broad, umbrella-like canopy. The small, glossy green leaves are arranged in dense tiers, giving the tree a clean, architectural appearance that is especially attractive in urban and designed landscapes. Because of its uniform form, tolerance of heat and drought once established, and ability to provide filtered shade, it is widely used as a street tree, in parks, and in large-scale ornamental plantings across tropical and subtropical regions.

Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk in Hawaiʻi and has not shown significant invasive behavior in the state. While it can produce viable seeds and may occasionally naturalize in highly disturbed or favorable conditions, there is no evidence that it aggressively spreads into intact native ecosystems or displaces native vegetation. With routine landscape maintenance and mindful planting away from sensitive natural areas, it can be managed with minimal ecological concern. As with all non-native ornamentals, continued observation is recommended to ensure it does not become problematic over time.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (tropical/subtropical)
  
• Native to or naturalized in tropical regions
  
• History of repeated introductions outside its native range
  
• Naturalized beyond its native range (e.g., Tanzania)
  
• Has weedy or invasive congeners (T. oblongata, T. catappa)
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people as an ornamental and shade tree
  
• Seeds potentially dispersed by animals (lemurs)

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to grazing animals; non-toxic
  
• Requires full sun (not shade tolerant)
  
• No evidence of vegetative reproduction
  
• Unlikely to be dispersed unintentionally or as a produce contaminant
  
• Not adapted to wind dispersal
  
• Likely not prolific seed producers (large seeds)