Family: Acanthaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized and spreading in multiple regions (Tonga, Samoa, Florida)
  
• Forms dense low stands that exclude other species
  
• Shade-tolerant, can invade beneath forest canopies
  
• Reproduces vegetatively by rooting at nodes (cuttings, fragments)
  
• Propagules easily dispersed unintentionally (lawns, trails, garden waste)
  
• Intentionally spread by people as ornamental ground cover

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No toxicity to animals or humans
  
• No fire hazard (prefers moist environments)
  
• No viable seed production (pollen sterile, no fruit)
  
• No seed dispersal (wind, water, animals, gut passage)