Family: Melastomataceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Medinilla scortechinii is a tropical flowering shrub native to Peninsular Malaysia. Like other medinillas, it is valued for its attractive foliage and showy clusters of pink to reddish flowers that make it popular in tropical gardens and specialty plant collections. This species typically grows in warm, humid forest environments and is cultivated primarily as an ornamental for shaded landscapes, conservatories, and botanical collections. Its exotic appearance and decorative blooms appeal to collectors of rare tropical plants.

Risks & Threats
Although Medinilla scortechinii is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaii, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Many tropical ornamental plants adapted to humid forest conditions have the potential to spread beyond cultivation in climates similar to Hawaii’s. Species in the Melastomataceae family are also of particular interest because several related plants have become invasive in tropical island ecosystems. Ongoing evaluation is needed to determine whether this species could negatively impact Hawaii’s native forests or ecosystems if introduced more widely. Careful monitoring and responsible planting practices are recommended.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric weed (Medinilla venosa is a noxious weed in Hawaii)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (popular ornamental)
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Prolific seed production (numerous seeds per berry)
  
• Native to tropical climates (suited to Hawaiian environments)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization outside native range
  
• No evidence of weediness (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathy or toxicity
  
• Unlikely to create fire hazard
  
• Propagules not adapted for wind dispersal
  
• No external dispersal by animals (no attachment structures)