Malachra alceifolia, commonly known as bastard okra, wild okra, or yellow leafbract, is a weedy herb or subshrub that poses a high invasion risk in tropical regions like Hawaiʻi. This plant is characterized by its stiff, irritating hairs and ability to form dense thickets in disturbed areas. It is a prolific seed producer, with seeds that remain viable in the soil for over five years, enabling long-term persistence and making eradication difficult. Its seeds are easily spread as contaminants in soil and agricultural produce, and the plant can resprout after cutting, allowing it to quickly colonize roadsides, pastures, and cultivated fields. It is documented as naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui.

Despite being palatable to livestock and non-toxic, its negative impacts outweigh any potential benefits. Malachra alceifolia is listed as a noxious weed in Hawaiʻi and can host crop diseases, such as the Tobacco leaf curl Cuba virus. Effective management requires a persistent approach, including herbicide applications and careful monitoring to prevent re-establishment from the soil seed bank. Preventing its introduction and spread is crucial to protecting agricultural lands and native ecosystems.