Family: Gesneriaceae

Chrysothemis pulchella (squarestem, dozakie, copper leaf, sunset bells) is a tropical perennial plant native to Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. It is grown mainly as an ornamental and is prized for its bold foliage and showy flowers. The plant has large, velvety leaves that range from green to coppery bronze and produces bright yellow tubular flowers surrounded by orange-red bracts, creating a striking “sunset” effect. It grows from underground tubers and prefers warm temperatures, filtered light, and moist, well-drained soils. In Hawaiʻi, it is most often cultivated as a houseplant or as an accent plant in shaded gardens and landscapes.

At this time, Chrysothemis pulchella is not considered invasive in Hawaiʻi and is not known to be widely naturalized in the islands. However, its ability to persist in tropical climates and reproduce from tubers suggests it could potentially spread if plants or soil are moved or discarded improperly. In other tropical regions outside its native range, the species has shown the ability to naturalize, indicating a need for cautious use. Monitoring plantings and keeping this species out of natural areas can help reduce the risk of unintended spread and protect Hawaiʻi’s native ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad Climate Suitability – Thrives in tropical/subtropical climates (native to Central America, Caribbean, northern South America).
  
• Naturalized Beyond Native Range – Documented as naturalized in Puerto Rico and other humid tropical regions.
  
• History of Repeated Introductions – Widely cultivated as an ornamental outside its native range.
  
• Reproduces Vegetatively – Forms tubers that re-sprout if cut; spreads easily via cuttings and tuber division.
  
• Tolerates Mutilation/Cultivation – Tubers persist and regrow after disturbance.
  
• Shade Tolerant – Can grow in shaded conditions at some life stages.
  
• Geophytic Growth – Has underground storage organs (tubers), aiding survival and spread.
  
• Potential Garden/Disturbance Weed – Reported as invasive in containers/gardens in Puerto Rico.
  
• Host for Pests – Known to host hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus).

Low Risk Traits:

• No Spines/Thorns/Burrs – Does not pose physical injury risk.
  
• Non-Toxic to Humans or Animals – No evidence of toxicity.
  
• Not Allelopathic, Parasitic, or Fire-Promoting – No negative ecological interactions noted.
  
• Low Seed Production – Rarely sets seed in cultivation; reproduction mainly vegetative.
  
• Not Wind or Water Dispersed – Propagules not adapted for abiotic dispersal.
  
• Not an Agricultural/Environmental Weed – No evidence of major impacts in natural or crop systems.
  
• Requires Specialist Pollinators – Likely depends on euglossine bees or hummingbirds for seed set, limiting sexual reproduction outside native range.