Family: Malpighiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Tristellateia australasiae, commonly known as galphimia vine, is a vigorous evergreen climbing vine native to a broad region extending from the Comoros and Southeast Asia through the Ryukyu Islands (Nansei-shotō) and the western Pacific. It is valued as an ornamental for its glossy green foliage and abundant clusters of bright yellow, five-petaled flowers that bloom over an extended season. The vine readily climbs fences, trellises, arbors, and walls, making it a popular choice for screening, vertical accents, and tropical landscapes. It thrives in warm climates, tolerates a range of soil types, and is relatively easy to grow with regular pruning to maintain its shape.

Risks & Threats:
Galphimia vine is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. Although it is a fast-growing climber, there is little evidence that it spreads aggressively or invades natural ecosystems. It is primarily propagated intentionally for landscaping, and any volunteer seedlings or stems are generally easy to manage. As with many vigorous ornamental vines, occasional pruning is recommended to prevent it from overgrowing nearby plants or structures. When planted responsibly and properly maintained, Tristellateia australasiae is unlikely to pose a significant threat to Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems and can be a suitable choice for tropical gardens.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate tolerance (temperate to tropical)
  
• Widely cultivated in the tropics (frequent intentional introduction)
  
• Climbing/smothering liana growth habit
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Propagules dispersed by wind and water
  
• Actively spread by people (ornamental use)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness
  
• No known toxicity, allelopathy, or physical defenses (spines)
  
• Not shade-tolerant (sun-loving)
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Low seed output (large, few-seeded fruits)