Family: Amaranthaceae

Chenopodium quinoa, commonly known as quinoa or ajara, is a grain-like crop native to the Andean region of South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is an annual plant with upright stems, broad leaves, and dense clusters of small flowers that produce protein-rich seeds. Quinoa is widely grown for its edible seeds, which are valued for their high nutritional content and gluten-free qualities. Today, it is cultivated around the world for food, research, and small-scale agriculture, including in experimental or specialty plantings.

In Hawaiʻi, Chenopodium quinoa is not currently known to be naturalized, but it does have traits that raise some concern. Like other members of the goosefoot family, quinoa can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, produces large numbers of seeds, and grows quickly—characteristics that can contribute to weedy behavior in some settings. At this time, there is limited information on how quinoa might behave outside cultivation in island ecosystems. Further evaluation is needed to determine whether it could pose risks to Hawaiʻi’s native species, agricultural systems, or natural areas, and careful monitoring is recommended if it is grown.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate adaptability
  
• Hybridizes with wild relatives
  
• Self-compatible (no pollinators needed)
  
• Congeneric species are invasive
  
• Possible herbicide tolerance
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Short life cycle (annual)
  
• Risk of accidental human dispersal
  
• Potential soil seed bank
  
• Includes weedy subspecies

Low Risk Traits:

• Limited natural dispersal ability
  
• Palatable to livestock
  
• Non-toxic to humans and animals
  
• Requires full sun (not shade tolerant)
  
• No spines or thorns
  
• Not a known environmental weed
  
• Long history of domestication