Family: Araliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Osmoxylon lineare (miagos bush, osmoxylon) is native to Luzon in the Philippines, where it grows in warm, humid tropical forest environments. It is an ornamental shrub or small tree known for its distinctive, finely divided, deeply lobed leaves and tropical architectural form. In cultivation, it is valued as a foliage plant in landscaped gardens, shaded tropical plantings, and botanical collections, where its unusual leaf structure provides strong visual interest and texture.

Risks & Threats
Although Osmoxylon lineare is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, including its suitability for tropical climates and potential to adapt beyond cultivated settings if introduced widely. As an Evaluate category species, caution is recommended, and ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand whether it could pose a risk to Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. Careful monitoring in cultivation and preventing uncontrolled spread will help ensure it does not negatively impact native habitats.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Fleshy fruits presumably adapted for bird dispersal

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness elsewhere
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Ornamental value