Family: Lamiaceae

Clerodendrum buchananii is a small to medium-sized flowering tree native to tropical Africa. It is prized for its striking clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers, which range from deep red to pink, and for attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The tree grows best in well-drained soils with full to partial sun and is often planted as an ornamental for gardens and landscapes. Some parts of the tree are also used in traditional medicine in its native range.

Although Clerodendrum buchananii is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth and prolific seed production. These characteristics could allow it to spread and potentially disrupt native plant communities on tropical islands. For this reason, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping to help protect Hawaii’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalizes outside native range
  
• Broad tropical/subtropical climate suitability
  
• History of repeated introductions
  
• Spreads by vegetative fragmentation (root suckers)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Tolerates pruning/dieback and disturbance
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Congener (Clerodendrum chinense) is invasive

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic, non-spiny, non-allelopathic
  
• No prolific seed production
  
• Not wind- or water-dispersed