Family: Acanthaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Ruttya fruticosa (commonly known as rabbit ears) is native to northeastern and eastern tropical Africa as well as the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is a flowering shrub known for its striking, tubular orange to reddish blooms that resemble small rabbit ears, which makes it popular as an ornamental plant in warm-climate gardens. The plant is often used in landscaping for its long blooming period, drought tolerance once established, and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds in suitable environments.

Risks & Threats
Although Ruttya fruticosa is not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern. Its ornamental popularity and ability to thrive in warm, subtropical climates raise the possibility that it could escape cultivation under the right conditions. As with many introduced ornamentals, careful monitoring is important to ensure it does not spread into natural areas or compete with native vegetation. Ongoing evaluation and caution are recommended to help ensure this species does not negatively impact Hawaii’s ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Climbs or smothers other vegetation (vine/shrub habit)
  
• Tolerates sun and shade
  
• Reproduces by viable seed (explosive seed pods)
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people as an ornamental
  
• Seeds adapted for wind dispersal (explosive mechanism)
  
• Tolerates mutilation and benefits from pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization or weediness outside native range
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not toxic to animals or humans
  
• Requires mildly acidic soil (not broadly adaptable)
  
• Propagules not dispersed by water, birds, external animal attachment, or gut passage