Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Melaleuca diosmifolia (green honey myrtle) is a shrub or small tree native to southwestern Australia. It is known for its dense, upright growth habit and its distinctive greenish-yellow bottlebrush-like flower spikes, which are attractive to bees and other pollinators. The foliage is aromatic, with narrow leaves that release a mild scent when crushed. In landscaping, green honey myrtle is sometimes used as an ornamental plant for hedges, screens, and wildlife-friendly gardens due to its showy blooms and tolerance of a range of soil conditions.

Risks & Threats:
Although Melaleuca diosmifolia is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Like other members of the genus, it produces abundant seeds, can grow vigorously, and may tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, which increases its potential to spread beyond intended plantings. In tropical island ecosystems, these characteristics could allow it to compete with and displace native vegetation if it were to become established. For this reason, caution is advised, and choosing a low-risk or native alternative is recommended when such options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized outside native range (Victoria, Australia)
  
• Significant environmental weed in Australia
  
• Congeneric species (M. quinquenervia) is a serious invader
  
• Increases fire load and fire risk
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Propagates from cuttings (vegetative reproduction)
  
• Dispersed unintentionally (roadsides, reserves)
  
• Sold intentionally by nurseries
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds
  
• Water-dispersed seeds
  
• Long-lived seed bank (extreme longevity)
  
• Seedling growth stimulated by fire

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to animals or humans
  
• Not an agricultural weed