Family: Araceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Spathiphyllum cannifolium, commonly known as spathe flower or peace lily, is native to Trinidad and tropical regions of Central and South America. This attractive evergreen perennial grows in moist, shaded habitats and is valued for its lush, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive white flowering structures consisting of a white spathe surrounding a central spike. Because of its tropical appearance and tolerance of low-light conditions, it is widely cultivated as an ornamental in gardens, landscapes, and as a houseplant. It is particularly popular around water features and in shaded tropical plantings where its foliage and blooms provide year-round interest.
Risks & Threats
Spathiphyllum cannifolium is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. Although it can spread locally through rhizomes and vegetative growth, it has not demonstrated the aggressive invasive tendencies seen in many other tropical ornamentals. The species is generally confined to cultivated settings and does not readily form dense infestations that displace native vegetation. As with any non-native plant, responsible management is recommended to prevent unwanted spread into natural areas, but current evidence suggests that Spathiphyllum cannifolium poses little threat to Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems when grown and maintained appropriately.
High Risk Traits:
- Suited to tropical/subtropical climates
- Repeated introductions outside native range
- Shade tolerant
- Produces viable seed
- Short generation time (flowers within 1 year)
- Reproduces vegetatively by division
Low Risk Traits:
- Not naturalized anywhere
- Not weedy (no agricultural, environmental, or garden weed status)
- No known weedy congeners
- No spines, thorns, or burrs
- Not allelopathic, parasitic, or toxic (no evidence of natural toxicity)
- No fire hazard
- Narrow soil tolerance (acidic loam only)
- Requires specialist bee pollinators
- No means of unintentional dispersal (no attachment structures)
- Low seed output (few ovules per fruit)
