Family: Rubiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Pyrostria bibracteata, commonly known as false porcupine bush, is a tropical shrub or small tree native to parts of eastern and southeastern Africa, Madagascar, Aldabra, and the Seychelles. It is valued for its dense branching habit, glossy green foliage, and ornamental appearance, which make it attractive for hedges, screening, and tropical landscape plantings. The plant may also produce small, decorative fruits that attract birds and add seasonal interest to gardens. Because of its compact growth and adaptability to warm climates, it is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental in botanical collections and tropical landscapes.

Risks & Threats:
Pyrostria bibracteata is considered a low risk species for Hawaii. It is not known to be naturalized in the islands and there is currently little evidence that it spreads aggressively or poses significant ecological threats. While birds may disperse its fruits in some environments, the species has not demonstrated invasive tendencies in Hawaii or other tropical island ecosystems. As with any introduced plant, responsible planting and monitoring are encouraged, but at this time false porcupine bush is regarded as a relatively safe option for ornamental use in Hawaii.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical climates (potential to establish in Hawaiian ecosystems)
  
• Shade tolerant (could establish in the understory of intact, shade forests)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and possibly other frugivorous animals
  
• Tolerates and able to resprout after fires
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of 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)
  
• No reports of toxicity (and fruits reported to be edible)
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively