Family: Plantaginaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Mecardonia procumbens (commonly called baby jump-up) is a low-growing, creeping herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. It forms a dense, spreading mat of bright green foliage and produces small, bright yellow flowers over much of the growing season. Its trailing growth habit and extended bloom period have made it a popular ornamental groundcover for landscapes, hanging baskets, container plantings, and between stepping stones, where it provides long-lasting color and coverage.

Risks & Threats
Mecardonia procumbens is now documented as naturalized on Hawaiʻi Island and possesses traits that are cause for concern, including vigorous vegetative growth, persistent seed production, and the ability to form dense, ground-hugging mats. Field observations indicate that populations can readily regrow following removal, suggesting the presence of a persistent seed bank that may complicate eradication efforts. If allowed to spread, this species could invade moist, disturbed habitats and compete with low-growing native vegetation, potentially impacting tropical island ecosystems. Gardeners and landscapers are encouraged to avoid planting this species and to choose a low-risk or native alternative whenever possible to help protect Hawaiʻi’s unique natural environments.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (tropical/subtropical; elev. to ~3,000 m)
  
• Naturalized across multiple continents and Pacific islands
  
• Repeated introductions as ornamental groundcover
  
• Garden, disturbance, and agricultural weed (damages crops)
  
• Self-fertile (high selfing rate; reproduces even when isolated)
  
• Vegetative spread via creeping stems that root at nodes
  
• Produces viable seeds and forms a seed bank
  
• Dispersed by wind, water, people (intentional), and as a contaminant
  
• Flowers within first growing season (~2–3 months)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of environmental weed status
  
• No congeneric weeds reported
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of allelopathy
  
• No evidence of toxicity to animals or humans
  
• Not shade tolerant
  
• Likely controllable by herbicide (2,4-D at 100 ppm)