Family: Acanthaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Dicliptera chinensis, commonly known as Chinese foldwing or double folding wing plant, is a low-growing, spreading perennial herb native to parts of Asia. It has soft, opposite leaves and produces small pink to purplish tubular flowers subtended by distinctive folded bracts, which give the plant its common name. It is sometimes grown as a groundcover or ornamental in warm climates because it can tolerate partial shade and moist conditions. Its creeping growth habit allows it to form dense mats, making it attractive for filling in garden spaces quickly.

Risks & Threats
Chinese foldwing is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island. It possesses several traits that are cause for concern, including rapid vegetative spread, the ability to root at stem nodes, and tolerance of a range of light and moisture conditions. These characteristics allow it to form dense groundcover that can outcompete native understory plants and alter habitat structure. In tropical island ecosystems, where native species often evolved without aggressive groundcover competitors, such growth can be particularly disruptive. Because this species is already naturalized and has the potential to detrimentally impact Hawaii’s forests and other natural areas, choosing a low-risk or native alternative is strongly recommended for landscaping and groundcover use.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Can grow in temperate and tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands
  
• A serious weed problem in lowland orchards
  
• Other Dicliptera species are regarded as weeds
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds, which are dispersed by a dehiscent capsule and by adhering to animals with barbed papillae
  
• Self-compatible (with cleistogamous flowers)
  
• Annual or perennial (able to reach maturity in 1 year)
  
• Possibly tolerant of and able to resprout after mechanical damage

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity
  
• Inconspicuous flowers makes intentional planting and cultivation for ornamental purposes unlikely