Family: Apocynaceae

Hoodiopsis triebneri (hoodiopsis) is a perennial succulent that is native to a vast region spanning from Namibia to the North Cape province of South Africa. While a few enthusiasts and botanical gardens have cultivated a limited number of Hoodiopsis plants for ornamental purposes, this species remains uncommon in cultivation. Its susceptibility to common pests and diseases, coupled with its limited production of viable seeds, indicates a low likelihood of it becoming invasive in Hawai‘i. It’s worth noting that there is no documented evidence of this plant naturalizing in any of the Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Bears sharp spines on the tubercles
  
• Reproduces by seeds, and capable or rooting from side branches
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind and through intentional cultivation
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but introduction outside native range is limited
  
• Susceptibility to pests and pathogens reduces risk of spread in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• Low seed viability in the Hawaiian Islands reduces risk of accidental dispersal