Rhamnaceae, the Buckthorn family
Latherleaf is a fast-growing, scrambling evergreen shrub with stems to 30 or more feet long. The leaves are alternate and shiny, with serrate margins and three main veins arising from the base. Upper surfaces of leaves are darker green than the lower surfaces. Leaves are 1.6 to 3.5 inches long by 1 to 2 inches wide. Its small, green to white flowers usually occur in late winter to spring in small clusters near leaf axils. Typical of this family, the flowers have five conspicuous sepals and five concave petals that clasp a fleshy nectar ring. Each of the five petals encloses a stamen. The fruit is a capsule containing three brown seeds.
This species is native from eastern Africa across to southern Asia and Australia. It is also found naturally on some Pacific Islands, including Hawaii. The plant has spread from introductions in Jamaica throughout the Caribbean and to Mexico and Florida.
Latherleaf has been documented along the central Florida coasts south through the Keys, where it is very common. Often, the plant invades coastal hammocks and dunes as well as mangrove forests and marshes. Disturbed areas such as roadsides are also vulnerable.
Three native species of Colubrina, all state-listed endangered species, are found in South Florida: C. arborescens, C. cubensis and C. elliptica. The invasive species is distinguished by its scrambling growth form, upright glabrous stems, and serrate leaves with three main veins, while the native species are trees or shrubs with leaves that have entire margins and pinnate venation.
Dispersal occurs by salt-tolerant seeds that float on the ocean surface and are carried by currents and tides along the coast as well as to more distant locations.
The plant was brought to Jamaica by Asian immigrants who used the plant as a traditional source of soap, medicine and fish poison. This fast-growing plant is listed by Florida as a noxious weed and has become extremely problematic in hammocks of South Florida and the Keys where its dense growth is threatening native flora. Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC) http://www.fleppc.org/ lists this species as Category I — invasive plants that are altering native plant communities.