Family: Campanulaceae
Lobelia xalapensis is an erect, annual herb native from Mexico to Central and South America, as well as the Lesser Antilles and the Galapagos Islands. Although not widely cultivated, it was recently found growing in both pots and from the ground in a Kauai nursery and was likely introduced as a contaminant of soil in nursery stock. Described as weedy within its native range, and reported to be a weed of agricultural settings, this self-seeding annual possesses traits that would likely facilitate its spread in similar disturbed or cultivated habitats in the Hawaiian Islands and elsewhere.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad elevational and latitudinal range
- Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
- Naturalized on Kauai (Hawaiian Islands). First record of naturalization outside its native range.
- Described as weedy, or a weed of agriculture, within its native range (negative impacts have not been described)
- Other Lobelia species are invasive weeds
- A host of the plant pathogenic bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum
- Shade tolerant (may be able to invade shade, native forest understory)
- Reproduces by seeds.
- Self-compatible (able to produce seeds by self-fertilization)
- Annual (reaches maturity in one growing season)
- Tiny seeds likely dispersed by water and as a contaminant in soil of nursery stock, and possibly in mud attached to vehicles, equipment, footwear and animals.
- May also be intentionally cultivated
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
