Family: Apocynaceae

Tabernaemontana africana (Samoan gardenia) is an evergreen perennial shrub with a maximum height of 6 meters. Tabernaemontana africana is occasionally cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes in regions with a suitable climate. The plant can be used to produce latex, soap and dye. Samoan gardenia has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad range and climate suitability
  
• Thrives and could spread in regions with tropical climates
  
• Tolerates some shade (could possibly establish in forest understory)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds dispersed by chimpanzees and monkeys in its native range, and intentionally cultivated by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No confirmed reports of naturalization or invasiveness (but sparingly cultivated outside native range)
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Fruits and seeds may be disperser limited outside native range, reducing risk of long distance or accidental dispersal