Family: Malvaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Grewia occidentalis, commonly known as the lavender star flower, is native to southern Africa. This small, deciduous shrub or small tree is admired for its clusters of charming, star-shaped lavender to pale purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer, followed by small, edible orange to red berries. Its attractive foliage and colorful blooms make it a popular choice for ornamental gardening, hedges, and landscaping. The plant is drought-tolerant and can adapt to a range of soil types, making it an easy-to-grow addition to home gardens and public green spaces.
Risks & Threats
Currently, Grewia occidentalis is considered low risk in Hawaii. It is not known to be invasive or to pose significant threats to native ecosystems. While it can naturalize in suitable climates, it does not exhibit aggressive spreading behaviors or outcompete native species. Gardeners can enjoy its beauty with minimal ecological concern, though general caution is advised to prevent any unintended establishment outside cultivated areas.
High Risk Traits:
- History of repeated introductions outside native range (e.g., Hawaii, widely cultivated in tropics)
- Shade tolerant (grows indoors, adaptable to low light)
- Tolerates wide range of soil conditions (clay, loam, sand)
- Reproduces by seed (viable seed production)
- Bird-dispersed propagules
- Seeds survive gut passage (enhanced germination after animal ingestion)
- Tolerates mutilation/pruning (good for hedges and espalier)
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization outside native range
- No evidence of weediness (garden, agricultural, or environmental weed)
- No spines, thorns, or burrs
- Palatable to grazing animals (browsed by cattle, goats, game)
- No evidence of toxicity to animals or humans
- No fire hazard
- Self-incompatible (requires cross-pollination)
- No vegetative reproduction in nature (propagated by cuttings only)
- Not adapted to wind or water dispersal
- No evidence of prolific seed production (>1000/m²)
