Family: Euphorbiaceae

Homalanthus populifolius, commonly known as bleeding heart or Queensland poplar, is a fast-growing tropical tree native to Australia and parts of the southwest Pacific. It is easily recognized by its large, soft, heart-shaped leaves and the reddish sap that oozes when the bark or leaves are cut—giving rise to its common name. The tree is often planted as an ornamental for its bold foliage and quick canopy cover, and in some places it has been used in traditional medicine, reforestation, or as a shade tree due to its rapid growth and tolerance of disturbed soils.

In Hawaiʻi, bleeding heart poses ecological concerns because of its ability to spread beyond cultivation and establish in natural areas. It produces abundant seeds that can disperse readily, allowing it to naturalize and potentially outcompete native vegetation, particularly in wet and disturbed habitats. The species is only found in cultivation on Kauaʻi and Oʻahu, but it is naturalized on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, where it has shown the capacity to spread and persist. Due to its fast growth and invasive traits, continued planting increases the risk of further spread, and alternative, non-invasive species are encouraged to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• High climate match (tropical/subtropical)
  
• Repeated introductions globally
  
• Naturalized in Hawaii, Sri Lanka, South Africa, New Zealand
  
• Agricultural & environmental weed
  
• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates various soils
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Bird & water-dispersed seeds
  
• Spread by machinery & human planting
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Herbicide susceptible but requires management

Low Risk Traits:

• Not spiny or parasitic
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Not wind-dispersed
  
• Not externally animal-dispersed
  
• Not tolerant of mutilation/fire