Family: Lamiaceae
Rotheca microphylla is a tropical shrub in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that is native to parts of eastern and southeastern Africa, from southern Somalia through Mozambique and Madagascar. It typically grows as a compact, bushy shrub about 1–2.5 m tall with glossy, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive tubular flowers. The buds often resemble musical notes — which has inspired common names like “musical note” or “morning kiss” — and open to white or cream flowers with long stamens that attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees. In cultivation, this plant is used as an ornamental garden shrub for its showy blooms and wildlife value, and it can be grown in gardens or containers in suitable warm climates.
Although Rotheca microphylla is currently only known from cultivation in places like Hawaii and is not considered naturalized here, it does possess traits — including adaptability to tropical climates, repeated flowering, and ease of propagation from seed or cuttings — that could allow it to establish outside of gardens under the right conditions. Because some related ornamental shrubs have become naturalized in other regions, there is cause for concern that Rotheca microphylla might similarly adapt and spread. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could pose ecological risks by competing with native vegetation, altering habitats, or spreading beyond intentional plantings in Hawaii.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Related species have naturalized or become invasive
- Shade-tolerant
- Intentionally spread by people
- Biology and ecology poorly understood
Low Risk Traits:
- No records of naturalization or invasiveness reported
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
- Landscaping and ornamental value (showy flowers)
- Medicinal uses
- Low seed set (suggesting limited dispersibility)
