Family: Plantaginaceae

Matourea azurea (Amazon blue, Brazilian snapdragon, otacanthus), is a perennial herb or half-shrub native to southeast Brazil. It has been cultivated as an ornamental for its mauve flowers, and has become naturalized in parts of Brazil, in the Mascarenes, in the Seychelles, as well as on Hawaii island. With an ability to spread both vegetatively and from seeds, it is likely that it will continue to escape from cultivation into suitable habitat.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives and spreads in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized in parts of Brazil, in the Mascarenes, in the Seychelles, as well as on Hawaii island
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by rooting stems and stem fragments
  
• Facultatively autogamous (capable of self-fertilization)
  
• Able to reach maturity in one growing season
  
• Small seeds lack specialized adaptations for dispersal, but can probably be moved by water, short distances by wind, and possibly in soil on footwear, vehicles, and equipment
  
• Also dispersed through intentional cultivation
  
• Tolerates pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• No negative impacts have been documented where the species has naturalized
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Reported to be non-toxic
  
• Grows best in high light environments (dense shade may inhibit spread)