Family: Rubiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Rosenbergiodendron formosum, commonly known as blackberry jam fruit or raspberry bush, is a tropical evergreen shrub in the coffee family (Rubiaceae) native to Panama, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. This attractive ornamental plant typically grows as a dense shrub with glossy green foliage and highly fragrant white, star-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as moths. It is best known for its unusual yellow fruits, which contain a soft black pulp said to resemble blackberry jam in texture and flavor. Because of its ornamental appeal, fragrant flowers, and edible fruit, it is sometimes cultivated in tropical gardens, specialty fruit collections, and container plantings.

Risks & Threats
Although Rosenbergiodendron formosum is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. The species is adapted to warm, wet tropical climates similar to those found in Hawaiʻi and can grow in a variety of soil conditions, including disturbed habitats and roadsides. Plants that produce fleshy edible fruits may be spread by birds or other animals, increasing the potential for escape from cultivation. In tropical environments, ornamental shrubs with bird-dispersed fruits and broad environmental tolerance can sometimes establish outside gardens and compete with native vegetation. Because of these concerns, this species should be planted cautiously, and gardeners are encouraged to choose low risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Escaped in Puerto Rico and possibly Saint Lucia
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Viable seeds dispersed by birds, mammals and people
  
• Reaches reproductive maturity in 1 to 1.5 years

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Fragrant flowers
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value