Family: Malvaceae

The looking-glass tree has a spreading crown and distinct buttress roots. The large leaves are green on top. Underneath, they are covered with silvery-like scales that are reminiscent of a mirror, hence the common name looking-glass tree. Cultivated for the unusual foliage and pronounced buttress roots. The nut-like fruits are described as ‘winged’ or keeled, almost like the nut has an outrigger to stay afloat — a helpful adaptation considering the tree’s water dispersal.

The looking glass tree is a popular choice for shipbuilding. Medicine is made from roots and seeds.

Plant Uses:

• Edible
• Medicinal
• Ornamental
• Specimen
• Woodworking

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range (including Kaua'i and O'ahu)
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Propagules dispersed intentionally by people
  
• Propagules water dispersed (floating seeds)
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• Not reported as a weed of any type
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No allelopathic or parasitic traits
  
• No toxicity to animals or humans
  
• No major pest/pathogen issues
  
• No fire hazard
  
• Narrow soil tolerance (requires deep, poorly saturated soils)
  
• Does not form dense thickets
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• No wind, bird, or animal dispersal
  
• No persistent seed bank (viviparous)
  
• Long time to reproductive maturity (4+ years)