Family: Apocynaceae

Native to Central America, this small tree can grow up to 15 feet tall. It is a popular ornamental for its bountiful white flowers and pleasant fragrance. It is one of the most fragrant flowers in the tropics, commonly described as ‘sweet and musky.’ It prefers well-drained and regularly watered areas. In general, a low maintenance tree that requires little care.

This plant was reported to be highly poisonous after its ashes were used in treating corn (for tortillas) and caused “grave accidents.”

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Cut flower
• Fragrant
• Hedge
• Ornamental

Plant Dangers:

• Toxic to humans

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on O'ahu and Hawai'i
  
• Intentional Dispersal: Widely cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive flowers.
  
• Bird Dispersal: Seeds are covered in fleshy red pulp, likely dispersed by birds (evidence from a congener).
  
• Gut Survival: Propagules survive passage through the digestive tract of birds.
  
• Toxic Sap: Contains poisonous sap (though no evidence of poisoning).

Low Risk Traits:

• No Weed Records: No evidence of it being a weed (environmental, agricultural, or horticultural).
  
• No Defensive Structures: Lacks spines, thorns, or burrs.
  
• Sun Preference: Not shade-tolerant; prefers full sun.
  
• Slow Maturation: Minimum generative time is 4+ years.