Family: Acanthaceae

Aphelandra aurantiaca, commonly known as fiery spike, is a tropical shrub native to Mexico and Central America. It is cultivated for its brilliant orange flower spikes and glossy green leaves, which make it an attractive addition to gardens and landscapes in warm, humid climates. The plant grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil, and is valued as an ornamental both outdoors and in greenhouses.

In Hawaii, Aphelandra aurantiaca has become naturalized on the island of Oʻahu. While it possesses traits that can aid in its spread, such as shade tolerance and the ability to reproduce readily from seed and cuttings, it is not currently considered invasive or known to cause significant ecological impacts. Continued observation is recommended, but at present fiery spike is regarded as a relatively low-risk ornamental species for Hawaii.

High Risk Traits:

• Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized outside native range
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates a range of soil conditions
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people
  
• Self-compatible

Low Risk Traits:

• No history as a weed
  
• Low seed production
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Limited natural dispersal mechanisms
  
• Does not form dense thickets
  
• Not toxic to humans