Family: Lamiaceae

Volkameria inermis (glory bower, seaside clerodendrum) is an evergreen bush that is native to Polynesia, Asia, India, and Australia. The seeds and roots of this plant are sometimes used to treat an upset stomach from consuming venomous fish. It also is used in landscaping to control erosion, and is present in parks and streetscapes. It is reported to be naturalized in Tunisia and on the islands of Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. This plant has some aggressive growth characteristics, and can form dense brambles that smother out and kill other plants. It has the ability to do this in shady areas, and tolerates pruning and fires, creating cause for concern.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Tunisia
  
• Weedy in Fiji and showing weedy tendencies in Hawaiian Islands
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Climbing habit (potential to smother other plants)
  
• Thicket-forming
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, water and intentionally by people
  
• Able to reproduce by suckering
  
• Tolerates pruning and able to resprout after fires

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to goats and probably other animals
  
• Non-toxic and used medicinally
  
• Ornamental
  
• Reaches maturity in 4+ years
  
• Seeds are non-dormant and unlikely to form a persistent seed bank