Family: Talinaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Talinum paniculatum, commonly known as Jewels-of-Opar or fameflower, is a succulent, herbaceous perennial native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It produces fleshy stems and leaves topped by airy, branching flower stalks with numerous tiny pink flowers that develop into bright red seed capsules, giving the plant a delicate, ornamental appearance. It is widely grown as an ornamental in gardens and landscapes and is also cultivated in some regions as a leafy vegetable and for use in traditional medicine.

Risks & Threats
Talinum paniculatum is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. It possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. The species produces abundant seeds, spreads readily into disturbed sites, roadsides, forests, and other natural areas, and can establish persistent populations that compete with native vegetation. Because it is already widespread in Hawaiʻi, further planting and intentional spread should be avoided, particularly near natural or undeveloped areas. Managing existing populations and preventing its use in places where it is not yet widely established can help minimize additional impacts. When selecting plants for landscaping, consider choosing low-risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Hawaiʻi: Confirmed as naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi (Hawaiʻi Island)
  
• Broad climate suitability (environmentally versatile; grows up to 2200 m elevation)
  
• Thrives in tropical/subtropical regions
  
• History of repeated introductions and intentional cultivation outside native range
  
• Widely naturalized (pantropical weed)
  
• Acts as a garden, disturbance, and agricultural weed (reduces yields of cowpea and carrot)
  
• Self-compatible and capable of autogamy (high seed production)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Geophyte with a deep, fleshy taproot (difficult to eradicate; resprouts after damage/dormancy)
  
• Shade and drought tolerant
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types
  
• Seeds dispersed intentionally by people and externally by animals (likely ants)
  
• Minimum generative time of 1 year

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic (edible as a vegetable)
  
• No evidence of vegetative fragmentation or bird dispersal
  
• Not reported as a serious environmental weed (mostly a disturbance/agricultural weed)