Family: Lamiaceae

Volkameria glabra (bush clerodendrum, Natal glorybower) is a fast-growing shrub to small tree native to eastern and southern Africa. It typically reaches 10–20 feet tall and features smooth gray bark, glossy green leaves, and clusters of white, pleasantly fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Because it tolerates pruning well and forms a dense canopy, bush clerodendrum has been widely used as an ornamental hedge, screen, or small landscape tree in tropical and subtropical regions.

In Hawaiʻi, Volkameria glabra is naturalized on Kauaʻi but is currently rated low risk. While it can produce fruits that are dispersed by birds and has the ability to spread beyond cultivation, there is limited evidence at this time of widespread or severe ecological impacts. Even so, continued monitoring is important, as species that naturalize can expand under favorable conditions. Using native or well-behaved non-invasive plants where possible helps reduce long-term risks to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Highly suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Congeners are known invasive species
  
• Bird-dispersed fruits (berries)
  
• Produces viable seeds
  
• Seeds survive digestion by birds and tortoises
  
• Unpalatable to goats
  
• Broad native geographic range (Africa to Indian Ocean)

Low Risk Traits:

• Not documented as an agricultural, environmental, or garden weed
  
• Lacks spines, thorns, burrs, or allelopathic properties
  
• Non-toxic to humans and animals
  
• Does not reproduce vegetatively
  
• Low seed output (not prolific)
  
• Does not create fire hazards
  
• Does not form dense thickets (grows singly)
  
• Not adapted for wind or water dispersal