Family: Acanthaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Pachystachys azaleiflora is a flowering shrub native to Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. It is valued as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and showy floral displays, which can add color and texture to tropical and subtropical gardens. Typically grown as a landscape accent or specimen plant, schaueria is appreciated for its lush appearance and ability to attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds. Its ornamental qualities make it a desirable choice for gardens, parks, and other cultivated settings in warm climates.

Risks & Threats:
Although Pachystachys azaleiflora is not currently known to be naturalized in Hawaiʻi, it possesses traits that are cause for concern. As a tropical ornamental adapted to conditions similar to those found in parts of Hawaiʻi, it may have the potential to establish outside cultivation if introduced more widely. At present, there is insufficient information to determine its long-term invasive potential in the islands. Ongoing evaluation is needed to assess whether this species could spread into natural areas or negatively impact native ecosystems. Until more information is available, caution is recommended when planting and managing this species in Hawaiʻi.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Acanthaceae family with many invasive species
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Seeds ejected ballistically and possibly dispersed short distances by wind
  
• Lack of basic biological and ecological information, and limited knowledge outside native range, makes accurate risk prediction difficult

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization or invasiveness to date
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Palatable to cattle
  
• Ornamental