Koster’s Curse (Miconia crenata), also known as soapbush, is one of the worst invasive plants in Hawaii. Introduced in the 1940s, it has spread across all the islands and its growth habits and prolific seed spread threatens anything in its path.
Ironically, it is named after a sugar planter in Fiji who was believed to have introduced the plants there and shared seeds elsewhere. However, it’s thought that it was actually a neighbor of his, a coffee planter named William Parr, who was the guilty party!
Graham's Island 
I like the leaves, but not that it has invaded your shores
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Well, it was introduced here, but that’s not the plant’s fault!
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What a pity as it does look quite lovely. The soap plant here, Red Ash, is everywhere on my place since that fire. It is a pioneer species and has berries that the birds love.
I feel for the Koster family and the new generations who name has been tarnished for no reason
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This one is also a problem in Australia I believe. It too thrives in disturbed soil, and the seeds are spread by birds.
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Luckily it hasn’t reached here. It might be too dry but is in the tropical north
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Yes, I think it likes some moisture.
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That’s what the weeds website said
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The leaves are very attractive. I looked up whether it can be used as soap and the leaves produce a lather that can be used to clean. They usually grow by rivers, so I’m highly unlikely to see them here, although we have our own soap bush.
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I believe this one is also problematic in Australia, but perhaps not where you are.
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It’s always important to know the guilty party!
But the leaves look kind of nice. Shame.
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But the guilty party’s name is barely known. Bad luck for the Kosters!
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