Family: Rubiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Psychotria viridis, commonly known as chacruna, is a tropical evergreen shrub or small tree native to southern Mexico through Central and South America. It is a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and is recognized for its glossy green leaves, small white flowers, and red to orange berries that attract birds. Chacruna grows naturally in warm, humid rainforest environments and is valued both culturally and ethnobotanically. Traditionally, its leaves have been used in Indigenous Amazonian practices, and the plant is also occasionally cultivated as an ornamental because of its lush foliage and tropical appearance.

Risks & Threats
Chacruna is considered a low-risk species for Hawaii at this time. It is not known to be invasive in the Hawaiian Islands and has not shown evidence of widespread naturalization or aggressive spread in tropical ecosystems similar to Hawaii. While birds may disperse its seeds in some environments, there is currently little indication that the species poses a significant ecological threat. As with any non-native plant, responsible cultivation and monitoring are encouraged to help prevent unintended spread into natural areas.

High Risk Traits:

• Toxic to animals and humans
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Self-compatible (self-fertile)
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and via gut passage
  
• Actively spread by people (sold commercially)
  
• Congeneric weeds exist

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized or reported as a weed anywhere
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No prolific seed production
  
• No persistent seed bank (seeds viable only months)
  
• Difficult to grow from seed (low germination)