Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Native range: Southern Asia, Polynesia, and Malaysia.
Description: A large tree to 70 feet or more with a dense crown. The compound leaves are divided into three large, 5 to 6 inch leaflets with serrate margins. Inconspicuous, greenish-white, fragrant flowers appear in winter in loose axillary clusters. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. Female trees bear an abundance of pea-sized, round, yellowish-brown fruit that hang in large, grapelike clusters.
Ecological threat: Bishopwood is an extremely weedy tree, especially in intact, undisturbed hardwood forests where it forms dense shade and outcompetes native trees for canopy space. Birds are principally responsible for distributing the seeds into natural areas and seed germination is high. Hundreds of seedlings can be found beneath mature trees. Bishopwood is one of the most commonly-encountered exotic pest plants in the forests of Miami-Dade county.
Distribution in Florida: Central and southern Florida, especially Miami-Dade county.
Background: Bishopwood was introduced by E. N. Reasoner in 1912 as a fast-growing shade tree for urban and commercial landscapes. The trees are sturdy and most stood through Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It is susceptible to several foliage diseases and pests and has fallen from popularity. It is no longer grow in Florida for the landscape trade. The hard, attractive wood is highly sought by local woodturners for making bowls, lamps, and other items.
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