Family: Phyllanthaceae
Phyllanthus flexuosus, commonly known as twisted leaf phyllanthus, is a shrub native to Japan and China. While it is rarely cultivated, Phyllanthus flexuosus is sometimes employed for its medicinal properties in traditional medicine. In recent times, some of the traditional applications of Phyllanthus have been partially confirmed. There is an urgent need for additional evidence, including pharmacological research and clinical studies, to substantiate its uses. It has been naturalized in some areas of the Southeastern US, but as of date it has not been recorded as naturalized on any Hawaiian Islands. Its broad climate suitability, ability to grow in temperate and tropical climates, and dispersal through fruit eating animals pose some questions about possible risk if it were to reach Hawaiʻi. The lack of information about this species may reduce accuracy of risk prediction.
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability
- Able to grow in temperate to tropical climates
- Other Phyllanthus species are invasive
- Reproduces by seeds
- Fleshy-fruited, and presumably dispersed by birds and other frugivorous animals
- Gaps in biological and ecological information reduce confidence in risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but no evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Valued for medicinal uses within native range
