Family: Asparagaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Furcraea foetida, commonly known as Mauritius hemp or green aloe, is a large, succulent plant native to the Caribbean and northern South America. It forms a striking rosette of long, sword-like leaves that can reach several feet in length, often with smooth or slightly toothed margins. Mature plants produce a tall flowering stalk that can tower over surrounding vegetation and generate numerous plantlets (bulbils). Due to its bold architectural form and drought tolerance, it has been widely planted in tropical and subtropical landscapes as an ornamental and for erosion control. Historically, its tough fibers were also used for cordage and rope.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Furcraea foetida is naturalized across multiple islands, including Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Maui, Kahoʻolawe, and Hawaiʻi. It reproduces prolifically through bulbils and can spread into dry forests, coastal areas, and disturbed sites, where it forms dense stands that outcompete native vegetation. Its ability to thrive in harsh conditions and poor soils makes it particularly difficult to control once established. Because it possesses traits associated with invasive species, it is considered high risk and could detrimentally impact fragile tropical island ecosystems. For landscaping and restoration projects, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates
  
• Widely planted and naturalized
  
• Disturbance weed and hazard along trails and roads
  
• Habitat-modifying environmental weed
  
• Other Furcraea species are invasive
  
• Leaves spine-tipped
  
• Sap is toxic to fish, guinea pigs and rabbits
  
• Sap a skin irritant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Reproduces vegetatively with bulbils (does not require pollination)
  
• Bulbils dispersed by gravity, as garden waste, and possibly by wind and water
  
• Planted intentionally
  
• Produces thousands of bulbils
  
• Tolerates cutting and fire
  
• No natural enemies known in Hawaiian Islands

Low Risk Traits:

• Young plants palatable to cattle
  
• Ornamental uses
  
• Limited or no seed set
  
• Reaches maturity after 5 years
  
• Bulbil may limit longer distance dispersal
  
• Select herbicides provide effective control