Family: Rubiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Psychotria carthagenensis (amyruca, cafecillo) is a tropical shrub or small tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and typically grows in warm, humid environments such as forests and river margins. The plant produces glossy green leaves, small pale flowers, and fleshy berries that are attractive to birds and other wildlife. In parts of its native range, it has been cultivated as an ornamental plant and has also been associated with traditional cultural and ethnobotanical uses.

Risks & Threats
Although Psychotria carthagenensis is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if introduced more widely. Like many bird-dispersed shrubs in the coffee family, it may have the potential to spread into native forests and disturbed habitats, where it could compete with native vegetation and contribute to ecosystem disruption. Its fleshy fruits may aid in long-distance dispersal by birds, increasing the risk of establishment in sensitive environments. Because Hawaii’s ecosystems are especially vulnerable to invasive plants, Plant Pono recommends choosing low risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Natural elevation range exceeds 1000 m
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Possibly toxic to animals and people
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Self-compatible
  
• May reach maturity in 2 years
  
• Fleshy-fruited: Fruits consumed and seeds dispersed by birds and mammals

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or invasiveness, but no evidence that it has been widely planted outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No evidence of vegetative spread
  
• Ornamental and ethnobotanical value