Family: Rhamnaceae

Phylica pupurea (silkyfruit hard-leaf) is a shrub or tree native to South Africa. This plant’s uses are not well known, but it is known as a hardy, resilient species in South Africaʻs rocky landscapes. There are no known reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but thereʻs also no evidence of widespread introduction outside its native range. Knowledge gaps about this species may make it difficult to predict its risk level. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• From fire prone ecosystems; may increase fire risk in introduced range
  
• Forms dense stands in native range
  
• Reproduces by ant-dispersed seeds
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy or risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)