(Pereskia aculeata)

Family: Cactaceae

Description:

• Woody shrub when young, grows into climbing, leafy cactus, with branches are up to 11m (33 ft) long
• Fragrant flowers (can be lemon, sweet, or repulsive smelling) and round yellow-red berries
• Native to the West Indies and the northern coast of South America, introduced intentionally for horticulture (as an ornamental or for its fruit)

Harm:

• Forms dense, thorny thickets in low elevations, overgrows and replaces other plants
• Spread by birds and animals that eat the fruit
• Has become a major weed in South Africa where it is an escaped ornamental

In Hawaii:

• Big Island – Found in only one location in North Kohala near Hawi. The single population is currently being treated.

Download: Barbados Gooseberry Flyer, Pereskia aculeata brochure

For more information, see:

• Pereskia aculeata information from HEAR
• Pereskia aculeata information from PIER

(Morella cerifera)

Family: Myricaceae

Description:

• Large, densely foliated upright shrub to small tree
• Can grow up to 35’ tall but usually found between 15’-20’ tall
• Has thin, alternate olive green leaves to 4” long
• Leaves are aromatic when crushed
• Flowers are small, inconspicuous pinkish catkins, followed by rounded green to grayish blue fruits found densely clustered along stem
• Fruit is coated with wax

Harm:

• Wax myrtle grows rapidly and easily invades to become a weedy pest
• It is a tough plant, adapted to many climatic conditions which can displace native vegetation
• Produces numerous bird dispersed fruits that can easily germinate under many conditions
• Has the ability to colonize and dominate disturbed areas in a variety of habitats

In Hawaii:

• Big Island – Found spreading in Hilo including Mohouli Street extension and Stainback Highway

Download: Wax Myrtle Flyer

(Cotoneaster Pannosus)

Family: Rosaceae

The Division of Forestry and Wildlife of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources has designated this species as one of Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants.

Description:

• Multi-stemmed, woody shrub with arching branches up to 10’ tall
• 1/2″ to 1” long oblong gray-green leaves with matted hairs on the undersides
• Produces clusters of 1/4” long, five petaled white flowers followed by round dull red fruit which contain 1-4 seeds

Harm:

• Forms dense monotypic stands in dry or wet open areas including pastures and roadsides
• Prefers cooler climates and poses a risk to native mid-elevation forests since its fruit is bird dispersed and can readily germinate under most conditions

In Hawaii:

• Big Island – Found in Paauilo, Puu Makaala, and Ocean View

Download: Cotoneaster Flyer

(Buddleja madagascariensis)

Family: Buddlejaceae

Smoke bush, known also as butterfly bush, is an aggressive shrub that is on the Hawaii Department of Forestry and Wildlife’s list, “Hawaii’s Most Invasive Horticultural Plants”. This species is rated “HIGH RISK” for invasiveness, with a score of “7” by the Weed Risk Assessment for Hawaii and Pacific Islands. Smoke bush is recognized as an invasive species in Florida, Australia, South Africa, and in the Caribbean.

Description:

• Viney shrub with dense, sprawling habit
• Clusters of small, orange, attractive, fragrant flowers
• Gray-green leaves 3-5″ long
• Seeds born in pulpy fruits on terminal clusters
• Native to Madagascar, introduced to Hawaii as an ornamental plant

Harm:

• Aggressive invader of disturbed areas at mid to low elevations, including open range, stream beds, and gulches
• Forms dense stands that crowd out and compete with native plants
• Plant produces numerous fruit that are attractive to birds, which disperse the seeds.
• Mechanical and chemical control of this species is difficult.

On the island of Hawaii:

• Infestations in Volcano, Puna, Waimea, Paauilo, South Kona. Targeted for control by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee (BIISC)

Download: Smoke Bush Flyer, Buddleja brochure

For more information, see:

• Buddleja madagascariensis information from HEAR
• Buddleja madagascariensis information from PIER