Family: Lamiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Coleus prostratus (pillow plant) is native to eastern Africa, ranging from Eritrea to Tanzania. It is a low-growing, spreading perennial with soft, trailing stems and rounded, slightly fuzzy leaves that often form dense mats or cascading groundcover. Because of its attractive, textured foliage and compact growth habit, it is commonly used in ornamental plantings, hanging baskets, and as a decorative groundcover in warm climates. It is valued in gardens for its ease of growth and ability to fill in spaces with lush greenery.

Risks & Threats
This species is currently considered low risk in Hawaiʻi, though it is naturalized on Oʻahu. It does not appear to spread aggressively or dominate intact native ecosystems under present conditions. However, like many introduced ornamentals, it has the potential to persist outside cultivation and contribute to changes in understory plant composition in disturbed areas. Continued observation is recommended to ensure it remains well-behaved and does not increase in spread or ecological impact over time.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Hawaii
  
• Congeneric species are serious invasive weeds
  
• Smothering, mat-forming growth habit
  
• Reproduces by seed and vegetative fragmentation (stems root at nodes)
  
• Dispersed intentionally (ornamental) and unintentionally (along trails)

Low Risk Traits:

• Narrow climate versatility (USDA Zones 7b–10a)
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not parasitic, not a fire hazard
  
• No wind, water, bird, or animal dispersal mechanisms