Family: Combretaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Terminalia myriocarpa (jhalna, East Indian almond) is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree native to the Himalayan foothills, northeastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar, southern China, and northern Sumatra. It develops a broad, spreading canopy and produces clusters of small, pale flowers followed by dry, winged fruits that are dispersed by wind and water. The tree is valued for its attractive form, rapid growth, and abundant shade, making it a popular choice for parks, roadsides, and other large landscapes in tropical and subtropical regions. Its durable wood is also used for construction, furniture, plywood, and other timber products.

Risks & Threats
Terminalia myriocarpa is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, meaning it is able to reproduce and maintain wild populations without cultivation. However, current evidence indicates that it poses a relatively low risk of becoming invasive in Hawaiʻi. While seedlings may occasionally establish near planted trees or in disturbed areas, the species has not been shown to spread aggressively or cause significant impacts to native forests or other natural ecosystems. As with any non-native tree, it should be planted thoughtfully and monitored for unwanted seedlings, particularly near natural areas, but it is generally considered a low-risk choice for landscaping when managed responsibly.

High Risk Traits:

• High climate match (native to tropical/subtropical Asia; introduced to Hawaii & Puerto Rico)
  
• Naturalized on multiple Hawaiian Islands (Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi)
  
• Congeneric weed (Terminalia oblongata is a principal weed in Australia)
  
• Shade tolerant (at some life stages)
  
• Intentional dispersal by people (valued for agroforestry and timber)
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds (winged propagules)

Low Risk Traits:

• No physical defenses (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Not toxic (no evidence of toxicity to animals or humans)
  
• Not a fire hazard (evergreen rainforest species)
  
• Narrow soil tolerance (light/medium, acid-neutral pH only)
  
• Not a known pest/pathogen host (though associated with some insects/fungi)
  
• Not self-compatible (predominantly outcrossing)
  
• No vegetative reproduction; no seed bank persistence confirmed
  
• Large seeds – not likely to be a produce contaminant; not dispersed by water, birds, or external animal attachment
  
• Long generation time (4+ years for maturity)