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Federal Noxious WeedTDA Noxious WeedTPWD Prohibited Exotic Species 
Invasive Plant Atlas of the USCupaniopsis anacardioides
Carrotwood Tree
Synonym(s):
Family: Sapindaceae (Soapberry Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Tree
Photographer: Amy Ferriter
Source: South Florida Water Management District, Bugwood.org
Description
Grows to approx. 35 feet. The leaves are large and compound, made up of four to ten oblong leaflets, each 4 to 8 inches long, and attached by a swollen stalk. Leaflet edges tend to be wavy with rounded tips that are often indented. Leaves alternate along the stems. Clusters of small, greenish-white flowers are borne on stalks that emerge from leaf axils. Flowers are unisexual, with each flower cluster containing both male and female flowers. The brightly colored fruit is a yellow, three-lobed capsule which, when ripe (May to June) splits open to expose three shiny black seeds encased in red or orange fleshy tissue.
Ecological Threat: While carrotwood invades a variety of natural communities, including dunes, coastal strand, sand pine scrub, slash pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, freshwater marshes and river banks, it poses a special threat to coastal ecosystems like mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks. Coastal plant communities provide crucial erosion control, water quality benefits, and food and shelter for wildlife. Once introduced, carrotwood forms dense monocultures, crowding out and out-competing native plants for available light and nutrients. Because mangroves provide critical habitat for wading and diving birds, some of which are designated Species of Special Concern, and serve as nursery grounds for crabs, other crustaceans, invertebrates and commercial and recreational fish, the impacts of carrotwood establishment are serious and far-reaching. Coastal hammocks and mangroves are continually losing ground to development and are also impacted by natural forces such as tropical storms and hurricanes. Alteration of species composition and competition by invasive exotic species increases stress to the remaining hammocks. Because carrotwood is a popular, fast-growing landscape tree that is widely planted and very adaptable, the impacts to mangroves and other habitats are expected to increase. Carrotwood has also been found growing among other aggresive, invasive exotic trees.
Biology & Spread: Carrotwood is a prolific seed producer, and the brightly colored fruits are very attractive to birds which disperse it widely. Bird dispersal explains isolated island populations and seedlings under trees and telephone poles. Seedlings have also been found along estuary rack lines. Clumps of seedlings suggest dispersal by small mammals. In its native range, carrotwood is pollinated by bees, which are the likely pollinators in Florida.
History: As of 1996, carrotwood has been documented to occur in natural areas in fourteen Florida counties, from Brevard and Hillsborough counties, southward.
US Habitat: Tolerant of salt, poor soils, poor drainage, sunlight and shade, carrotwood can adapt to dry areas, and appears in disturbed and undisturbed sites. As a result, carrotwood inhabits a variety of habitats including, dunes, coastal strand, freshwater marshes and river banks.
Distribution
US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea
US States: FL
Mapping
Invaders of Texas Map: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
EDDMapS: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Invaders of Texas Observations
List All Observations of Cupaniopsis anacardioides reported by Citizen Scientists
Resembles/Alternatives
Management
No biological control is available at this time. Chemical control is the most common and effective method of control. Triclopyr (e.g., Garlon) has proved effective as a basal bark treatment and cut stump treatment. Glyphosate (e.g., Rodeo) is marginally successful, and usually requires retreatment. Care must be taken in mangrove and wetland areas to avoid impacts to sensitive flora and fauna by use of chemicals or heavy equipment. As a preventive measure, a few counties and municipalities have ordinances restricting use of carrotwood.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.Online References
Google Search: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Google Images: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
NatureServe Explorer: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
USDA Plants: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Bugwood Network Images: Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Text References
Lockhart, C. 2006. Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Carrotwood. Accessed 20 November 2008: http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/cuan1.htm
Data Source
