Family: Lamiaceae

Clerodendrum macrostegium, commonly known as velvetleaf glorybower, is a flowering shrub or small tree native to Maluku and the Philippines. It is valued for its large, soft, velvety leaves and striking clusters of pale lavender to purple flowers, which attract pollinators. Because of its attractive foliage and blooms, velvetleaf glorybower is often planted as an ornamental in tropical gardens and landscapes.

In Hawaiʻi, velvetleaf glorybower is naturalized on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, meaning it has escaped cultivation and established self-sustaining populations. It produces abundant seeds and can spread quickly, forming dense stands that may outcompete native plants and alter natural habitats. These traits make it a species of concern, and planting it is discouraged to help protect Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range (Hawaii)
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Garden/amenity/disturbance weed
  
• Produces viable, bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Reproduces vegetatively via root suckers
  
• Congeneric species are invasive
  
• Climate match is high (tropical/subtropical)
  
• Propagules survive gut passage

Low Risk Traits:

• Not parasitic, or toxic
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not wind- or water-dispersed
  
• Not externally animal-dispersed