Family: Acanthaceae

Andrographis paniculata (creat, green chireta) is an herb native to India and Sri Lanka. It is commonly used in the Indian traditional medicine system. It is believed to be a medicine for some bacterial infections and diseases. However, the efficacy and safety of this as a medicine are contested and not well studied.  It is reported to be naturalized in various regions around Asia and is potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu. This plant is very adaptable and tolerates many climates, allowing it to spread easily. It is a weed of roadsides, pastures and waste areas. It causes allergies for some people. The seeds rupture and can spread further for this reason. All of the above make this plant a high risk plant.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability, and elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in a number of locations, potentially naturalizing on Oʻahu
  
• A weed of roadsides, waste places, fields and potentially of agriculture
  
• Allelopathic
  
• May be allergenic to some people
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Perennial, but able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds dispersed by explosive dehiscence

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite naturalization and weediness, valued for medicinal properties
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Provides fodder for goats and possibly other livestock