Family: Cucurbitaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Gynostemma pentaphyllum (sweet tea vine or jiaogulan) is a fast-growing climbing vine native to East and Southeast Asia. It has slender stems with tendrils and typically five-parted leaves, and produces small flowers and dark berries. The plant is commonly grown for herbal tea and traditional medicinal uses, and is sometimes used as a groundcover or ornamental vine.

Risks & Threats:
Although Gynostemma pentaphyllum is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it has traits that raise concern, including rapid growth and the ability to spread and form dense cover. It could potentially smother vegetation and disrupt ecosystems in tropical environments. If cultivated, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative to help protect Hawaii’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 2000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Regarded as a troublesome weed in cultivated settings, fields and greenhouse settings
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Smothering habit
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rhizomes and bulbils
  
• Able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Seeds possibly dispersed by birds or other fruit-eating animals
  
• Limited ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization despite anecdotal reports of weediness
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to animals
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Used medicinally and as a tea
  
• Dioecious; requires male and female plants for seed production