Family: Acanthaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized on Oahu, Kauai, Hawaii Island, and the Mascarene Islands
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Exhibits environmental versatility (elevation range exceeds 1000 m)
  
• Host of ornamental pests
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• Reproduces vegetatively and by seed
  
• Seeds. When produced, dehisced and dispersed short distances by wind, gravity and possibly water
  
• Tolerates heavy pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• May require specialized pollinators (hummingbirds, long-tongued moths) to set seed
  
• Seed set may be limited in cultivation