This plant was first detected growing and spreading on the Kona side near the Makaula-O’oma State Forest Reserve in 2017. By 2020, Phenax has formed dense 15-foot tall thickets that have begun to spread along the roadside, trails, and into the native forest reserve. Identified in 2020 as Phenax hirtus, this tropical shrub in the Urticaceae (nettle) family is native to Central and South America. The plant thrives in tropical climates, especially in disturbed, moist, shady environments, but can grow in undisturbed environments and mixed in with heavy vegetation. Most commonly found above 1000 meters in elevation, but as it is new to Hawaii, we do not know what the elevation range here is. The fruit is easily dispersed by wind and water, allowing it to spread quickly.

It belongs in the nettle family, the same large family as our native māmaki, and could be confused for the native plant. Phenax leaves are smaller and skinnier (lanceolate), while māmaki leaves are bigger and wider (cordate to ovate).  Māmaki generally, though not always, displays a red color in the petiole and in the veins while Phenax is more green throughout, with much less red in the petiole. Both species can be highly variable in form, however, so the best method of distinguishing between them is to look for fruits at the leaf node (where the leaf meets the stem): māmaki will have a fleshy white fruit filled with seed, while Phenax produces a dry brown ball.