Family: Melianthaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Melianthus comosus, commonly known as tufted honey flower, is a striking shrub native to southern Africa. It is valued as an ornamental plant for its bold, blue-green foliage and unusual reddish-brown flower spikes that produce abundant nectar attractive to birds and insects. This fast-growing species can form large, dense clumps and is often cultivated in warm climates as a dramatic landscape accent or screening plant. Its lush tropical appearance and tolerance of dry conditions have contributed to its popularity in gardens and specialty plant collections.

Risks & Threats
Although Melianthus comosus is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. The species grows vigorously, reproduces readily under favorable conditions, and may spread aggressively in suitable tropical or subtropical habitats. Dense growth could potentially outcompete native vegetation, alter habitat structure, and negatively affect fragile island ecosystems. Because tropical islands are especially vulnerable to invasive plants, caution is recommended when considering this species for landscaping or cultivation. Choosing a low-risk or native alternative is encouraged whenever suitable alternatives are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Toxic to animals and humans (allergenic)
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals
  
• Host for pests/pathogens
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Broad climate suitability
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Dispersed by wind, water, unintentionally, and intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates mutilation/cultivation/fire

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic or parasitic
  
• No fire hazard
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• Not bird- or animal-dispersed externally
  
• No gut passage survival
  
• Low seed production (<1000/m²)
  
• Not a weed in agriculture or horticulture