Family: Melastomataceae
Oxyspora paniculata (bristletips, jian zi mu shu) is a species of shrub in the family Melastomataceae native to the Himalayas. It is purported to have some uses in folk medicine and traditional chinese medicine. It has naturalized in the wet forests of Oʻahu. All melastome species are non-native to Hawai’i, and many are invasive. The plant is currently considered a noxious weed in the state. Its ability to grow on stream sides and wet forest give it the ability to impact native ecosystems in Hawaiʻi.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Broad elevation range (>1000 m)
- Naturalized on Oahu (Hawaiian Islands)
- A Hawaii state noxious weed of stream sides and wet forest with the potential to impact native biodiversity or ecosystem function
- Shade tolerant
- A dominant plant in its native and introduced range, with the potential to outcompete or exclude other vegetation
- Reproduces by seeds
- Fast growth rate and rapid time to reproductive maturity
- Seeds dispersed by water, probably in mud on shoes, equipment or animals, and through intentional cultivation
- Prolific reproduction along streams
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Palatable to pigs and probably other grazing animals (used as fodder within native range
- Non-toxic
- Young stems reported to be edible and used for food in native range
- Dispersal requirements may limit spread
