Family: Malvaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Hibiscus cannabinus, commonly known as Kenaf or Deccan hemp, is native to South Asia and Africa. It is a fast-growing, herbaceous plant that can reach heights of 3–5 meters (10–16 feet) with fibrous stems and large, hibiscus-like flowers that range from cream to yellow with a dark center. Kenaf is primarily cultivated for its strong fiber, which is used in making rope, paper, textiles, and other industrial products. In addition, its seeds can be pressed for oil, and the plant can also be used as a green manure or fodder crop in agricultural systems.

Risks & Threats:
Although Hibiscus cannabinus is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it possesses traits such as rapid growth, high seed production, and adaptability to a range of conditions that could allow it to establish outside of cultivation. These traits are cause for concern because, if introduced, it may compete with native plants and alter natural ecosystems. Further evaluation is needed to determine its potential impacts in Hawaii, and caution is recommended to ensure it does not negatively affect local ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in temperate and tropical climates
  
• Widely naturalized
  
• A weed in fields and wasteland (impacts on crop yields not specified)
  
• Other Hibiscus species have become invasive
  
• Wild types have spiny vegetative parts
  
• Potentially allelopathic
  
• Hairy seed capsules may be a skin irritant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed by dehiscent capsules and intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates repeated cutting and harvesting (resprouting ability)

Low Risk Traits:

• Certain cultivated types may be less weedy
  
• A valuable fiber crop
  
• Palatable to grazing animals (used as fodder for livestock)
  
• Does not tolerate dense shade
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Not known to be dispersed by wind, water or birds
  
• Seeds should not form a seed bank that will persist beyond 1 year
  
• Glyphosate provides effective control