Family: Acanthaceae

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Thrives, and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui and Hawaii and elsewhere in the world
  
• An environmental weed in the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere
  
• Other Justicia species are invasive
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types (not substrate limited)
  
• Forms dense stands capable of excluding other vegetation
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Seeds dispersed in dumped garden waste and through intentional cultivation

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control